MAN creates 125 jobs after record-breaking year

The industrial collective, which comprises eight subcontract manufacturers and an engineering design agency, has taken full advantage of the positive exchange rate for Sterling and a movement to tap into British innovation to win contracts across the automotive, aerospace, electronics, renewables and medical sectors.

All nine firms have experienced growth over the last 12 months and have benefitted from sharing best practice, purchasing power and working together to target new clusters.

The expansion now means MAN employs a combined workforce of 1,000 across 15 factories, and enjoys an order book that is fast approaching £90 million, with 40% of that turnover sent overseas.

“I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration and that is exactly what has helped us to grow the collective and our individual businesses over the last year,” explained Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer and the new chairman of MAN.

“We were all together when the results of the European Referendum vote were announced and we were shocked. Like typical manufacturers, we decided to roll-up our sleeves and see how we could make the most out of the situation. The fall in the price of Sterling has certainly been a big help.”

He continued: “This is only one element though. The UK is a great place to manufacture and we are becoming increasingly competitive with our international rivals thanks to a renewed focus on training, investment in automation and a willingness to innovate. Those are the true ingredients behind our success.”

MAN is made up of Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, KimberMills International, Mec Com, Muller Holdings, PP Control & Automation and SMT Developments.

Together they offer a broad range of engineering disciplines, including automation and control systems, casting, design, forging, plastic injection moulding, PCB development and precision stamped parts.

It is also currently working with Warwick Manufacturing Group to improve processes and commercialise new technologies.

Manufacturing Assembly Network www.man-group.co.uk