Pictured left to right: UKSE’s Steve Grice, Webster-Wilkinson’s James Russell and Tony Greenfield, and UKSE’s Mike Lowe. Photo: UKSE
A manufacturer of electrical parts is ready to expand its business and create new jobs following funding from business investment specialist UKSE.
Webster-Wilkinson Ltd, a manufacturer of high-voltage transformer components based in Halesfield, Telford, has secured a six-figure funding package from
UKSE to support growth plans through the installation of a new moulding plant.
The funds will also enable investment into new CAD-CAM technologies, expanding the company’s sales team and increasing marketing while supporting the creation of at least five jobs. Established in 1966, Webster-Wilkinson designs, makes and supplies a wide range of components for use by manufacturers of transmission and distribution transformers, network operators and utility companies across the UK as well as in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The senior management team identified an opportunity to bring the production of a resin-based moulded product in-house by installing a new plant after a supplier based in Gloucestershire stopped production. The business, which employs 50 people, wanted to produce the parts in Shropshire, creating more skilled work in the county and reducing the environmental impact generated through previous levels of transportation.
UKSE provides up to £1 million of finance to support local businesses in the West Midlands area, organised through its team based in Cannock. UKSE’s equity finance package leaves the management team in control, backed with capital from a supportive partner.
High-voltage accessory manufacturingManaging director James Russell said: “Thanks to the investment from UKSE, Webster-Wilkinson has been able to invest in new equipment which will ensure the business builds on nearly 60 years of operating at the forefront of high-voltage accessory manufacturing for the transformer and distribution industry. UKSE have provided us with an integrated level of support, understanding the pressures we face by coming to visit and getting to know the business before providing the finance through a thorough process which ensured they got to know us.”
He added: “We became aware of UKSE after seeing a news story on their support for another manufacturer and would recommend businesses speak to them to find out what is available in terms of funding. With new product lines in place, we are now set up for growth and we have reduced our environmental footprint by reducing the transportation of materials while creating more skilled work in Telford.”
UKSE area manager Steve Grice said: “Webster-Wilkinson is another great example of UKSE supporting a well-established manufacturing business with plans to innovate and grow. We wish the company every success in its expansion plans and look forward to seeing it achieve even greater results.”
UKSE regional executive Mike Lowe added: “With a wide range of clients including leading utility providers and others needing high-grade transformer components or high-voltage solutions, both in the UK and overseas, Webster-Wilkinson are a great fit for UKSE investment, so we are delighted to support James, owner Tony Greenfield and the team with their plans.”
Offering strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1 million to generate growth, UKSE’s West Midlands team create local job opportunities and bolster the economy by supporting SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Shropshire. UKSE supports the local economy by making equity investments, ensuring management stays in control of the business and offers a flexible exit policy.
Unsecured loans are also available, often without the need for personal guarantees. To date, UKSE has invested over £115 million, supporting 8,000 businesses, stimulating the creation of an estimated 83,000 new jobs.