The management team at Brandauer is focused on doubling turnover to £18 million by 2022, and has invested £3 million in high-speed presses from Bruderer and Yamada, as well as the latest metrology equipment, to help achieve the ambitious plans.
Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, says: “There has been a lot of uncertainty with Brexit and falling demand in China, but that hasn’t stopped us actively targeting international business and winning it. We’ve found that our ability to meet exacting tolerances within competitive lead times is in demand, even in the presswork ‘powerhouse’ of Germany, where their specialists simply can’t match our turnaround times.”
He continues: “Launching our new products, including Elopin [solderless press-fit connector], CB Cable Clips and turnkey tooling, has also been successful and contributed to the rise in export orders.
“The Queen’s Award really is the icing on the cake and testament to the hard work, commitment and innovation that all of our staff have put in to help make us a world leader. It’s rare for a company of our size to achieve this accolade and we know it’s going to be a fantastic marketing tool when tendering for more work in the United States and targeted expansion into consumer markets.”
Established in 1862, Brandauer produces millions of high-tolerance metal pressings and stampings every week for customers in the plumbing, automotive, domestic products, electrical, medical and renewables sectors. Products include electrical connectors that are fitted in 90% of the world's kettles, edge connectors for the dimming of rear-view mirrors in 50% of modern-day cars, and 7 million nose bridge clips per month – used predominantly in medical/personal protection face masks over four continents.
Some 85% of the firm’s current £9.2 million annual sales is exported to international markets, half of which direct from its factory in Birmingham.
Crozier says: “What’s been really pleasing is how the surge in orders has gone across our main areas of expertise, ranging from a grab-ring business win worth £500,000 to a turnkey tooling and stamping process in the US, worth the best part of £450,000.
“Our real breakthrough moment though was the contract in Israel, where we are supporting the expansion of a subscription razor company by producing the stainless steel frames that support the blades. The lead came from a social media video and, when ramped up, will be worth around £1 million per year in revenue.”
