Warwick Automotive Business Creating New Jobs After Investing In High-End Machinery

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A forward-thinking Warwick-based automotive business has invested a six-figure sum in state-of-the-art machinery and is set to create jobs on the back of the investment.

Opus International Products in Hiron Way on the Budbrooke Industrial Estate, which is an automotive component manufacturer for premium car manufacturers, was looking to invest £340,000 in additional machinery.

Managing director Rob Coles approached Martin Nwangwa at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub regarding financial assistance and he referred him to Coventry City Council’s Economic Development Service team.

That led to a successful application for £50,000 from the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Support Programme’s Investment Fund, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Opus International Products is now the proud owner of a 5-axis CNC machine, a 3-axis CNC machine and a CNC lathe with an automatic bar feeder for the production of machined aluminium, plastic and stainless-steel components at their manufacturing facility.The business has started providing training to existing staff in the programming of the machines and the production of the parts, and plans to double its workforce by moving from a single shift operation to a two or three shift operation as demand increases which will lead to six new jobs being created.

Rob said buying the machines meant work no longer needed to be outsourced.

“These CNC machines use the latest technology and we can programme them through our CAD software remotely and leave them running all night,” he said.

“We wanted to invest in these machines because we had a great deal of contracts for CNC machined products which we were out-sourcing overseas, mainly to China.

“We have now been able to bring the work in-house which is significantly reducing lead-times, saving on freight costs and providing a greater degree of control over the quality of the products.

“It has also created additional capacity for us to increase the sales of this type of product with our existing customers and to seek new customers within the automotive sector and potentially other sectors.

“Martin at the Growth Hub facilitated a conference call with Coventry City Council, and he assisted us with completing the application because we only had a short deadline before the panel was meeting to assess grant applications and his help was really appreciated.

“Before the national lockdown in March, we had had our strongest sales performance ever and that helped us through the worst of times in June and July when we were unable to trade.

“We used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and we took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to put working capital into the business and we’re now looking forward to a strong end of the year and in the first half of next year, we think we will be further forward from the levels of pre-Covid so the future is looking positive.”

Martin Nwangwa, Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said it was great to see the three new machines in action at Opus International Products.

He said: “The team is now back to full strength and the machines are proving to be a great investment since orders are increasing all the time.

“The application process proved to be very quick and we are always available at the Growth Hub to not only make companies aware of grants that they are eligible to apply for but also to help with filling in the forms which can be daunting if businesses have not done it before.”

Kierandeep Bal, Business Development Advisor at Coventry City Council, added: “The Business Support Investment Fund programme is open to businesses throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

“To accommodate these machines, an increase in production space was required. Opus currently lease units 9, 10 and 11, but there was a dividing wall between units 10 and 11 so the plan was to remove the partitioning wall to open up the usable production space, which increased the current floorspace from 12,000 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft, allowing room for all three machines which is really positive news. It has been a pleasure supporting Opus with their growth plans.”

 

Caption:  From left – Martin Nwangwa, Rob Coles, and Kierandeep Bal next to the new CMC machines at Opus International

 

 

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

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Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information.  It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers.  We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events.  When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

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