A&M EDM: Driving Innovation and Skill Development in UK Manufacturing

Last week, as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting A&M EDM, an engineering and manufacturing company based in Smethwick, located in the heart of the Black Country. As an organisation, A&M EDM embodies the strength of UK manufacturing, specialising in high-precision engineering and serving diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, Formula One, and food production.

A Legacy of Excellence and Skill Development

With 85 employees, including eight current apprentices, A&M EDM is a dynamic example of how mid-sized businesses can shape the future of British engineering. Their turnover for the current financial year is projected at an impressive £8.8 million, which reflects their growth and leadership in delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions.

A highlight of my visit was learning about their dedication to apprenticeships.  A&M’s apprenticeship program allows young talent to rotate through various sections of the company, gaining hands-on experience that’s invaluable for their future careers. Apprentices are involved in complex, innovative projects, such as mini engine development and UAV engines for firefighting efforts—projects that have a direct and tangible impact on real-world challenges. It’s no wonder that Finlay, one of A&M’s apprentices, is a finalist for the prestigious Engineering Rising Star category in the Make UK Manufacturing Awards on Wednesday 30 October 2024 taking place at Warwick University in Coventry. Being shortlisted for this award, already recognises those apprentices who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them during the early years of their engineering apprenticeship programme. They will have made significant contribution to support the activities of their employer, and will show great potential for the remainder of their apprenticeship. Good Luck on the night Finlay!

The pride all the apprentices take in their work was evident, particularly in their contributions to high-profile projects like developing parts for reaction engines and Formula One teams such as Mercedes, McLaren, and Alpine.  A particularly notable project involved the creation of a reaction engine heat exchanger part valued at over £100,000—a feat of precision engineering where the apprentices played an integral role.

Commitment to the Future of Manufacturing

One of the key discussions had with the team during my visit was A&M’s commitment to skills development beyond the traditional university route through School Engagement.  This company believes that practical, hands-on learning through apprenticeships offers immense value, particularly in a sector that thrives on technical expertise and problem-solving. This commitment to nurturing talent is also reflected in the company’s commitment to engagement with local educational institutions and those inspiring and supporting the current and next generations into Engineering.

During the visit, a dozen sixth form students and teachers from Sandwell Academy toured the factory, interacting with current apprentices to gain insight into the realities of a career in engineering. This outreach has already borne fruit: one of A&M’s current apprentices joined the company after a similar visit during National Manufacturing Day last year, inspired by what he saw.

Championing Local Industry in the Black Country

The visit was not just about showcasing engineering excellence; it also provided a platform to discuss the broader challenges facing UK manufacturing. A&M EDM emphasized the importance of government support for the sector, particularly regarding funding and land availability. The company, like many others in the West Midlands, faces increasing pressure from housing development, which threatens to encroach on vital industrial land. This issue was raised with local authorities, who were well represented at the event who all supported the aim to keep manufacturing local and viable for the UK.

Attendees included the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, as well as key local councillors, including Sukhbir Singh Gill and Peter Hughes, Cabinet Ministers for Business and Skills and Regeneration & Infrastructure, respectively. Their presence, alongside Helen Peach from Sandwell Council and Jim Davidson from Make UK; underscoring the importance of collaboration between government, education, and industry to safeguard the future of UK manufacturing.

Conclusion

A&M EDM is a shining example of how companies in the UK can balance cutting-edge innovation with a commitment to developing the next generation of skilled engineers. Their focus on high-quality apprenticeships, hands-on learning, and working on prestigious projects positions them not just as a leader in precision engineering, but also as a critical player in ensuring the future of British manufacturing remains bright.

As I left the site, of my first manufacturing business visit for Enginuity, and first National Manufacturing Day, it was clear that A&M EDM's story is one of skill, opportunity, and collaboration.

It’s companies like this that will continue to drive the UK’s industrial future forward, making their mark locally and on the global stage.