Gestamp opens new factory in South Staffordshire

The new plant will feature state-of-the-art stamping equipment and encompass the production capability of the existing Gestamp Cannock plant when capacity is transferred, safeguarding 800 jobs.

An investment close to £50 million to date will upgrade the company’s industrial capabilities in the region and an additional amount could be invested depending on future projects. Gestamp has opened five facilities worldwide in 2018 including in the West Midlands.

The new plant will offer one of the biggest hot stamping lines in the world, serving a wide customer that includes household names such as JLR, Nissan-Renault, Volvo, Ford, BMW, Toyota and Honda.

The facility will also manufacture aluminium parts via a transfer servo press – including battery boxes for electrical vehicles. The equipment will comprise laser cells for cutting and welding.

Gestamp executive chairman, Francisco Riberas, said: “This new plant is more efficient and competitive; it is a customer focused factory with opportunity for further growth with both existing and new clients.

“We will continue to help our customers and provide them with the latest technologies such as hot and aluminium stamping. We are already supporting them with the challenges that they face with electrical vehicles by providing lighter and safer solutions,” he added.

Currently, Gestamp UK comprises seven production plants, three in the North East, two in the Midlands and one each in Llanelli and Fareham with a total workforce of nearly 3,000 employees. Since 2012, Gestamp has invested more than £200 million in its UK plants.

Gestamp www.gestamp.com