In the Sertec Auto Structures Heavy Stampings facility we were able to have a ‘behind the curtain’ look at a production facility undergoing serious investment and progress. It was a real positive for the UK as a whole to tour this site with Carl Milbourne, Head of SASB Operations and Grant Adams, CEO.
The investment included an amazing new press, the 800T Nidec Arisa Press was recently opened officially during a special ceremony at this production facility. This was officiated by Professor Carl Chinn, MBE. In order to commemorate the occasion, the first pressed part from the machine was presented to the esteemed Birmingham social historian and writer.
The fully operational 800T Nidec Arisa Press will play a crucial role in expanding Sertec’s parts production capacities across various sectors, particularly the automotive industry. Its implementation has led to the creation of 15 new positions following the complete integration of the 800T Nidec Arisa Press into the manufacturing facility.
I then went across to the larger Wincaster House facility where the main part of Sertec Auto Structures is based. Here I was able to see the new investment in a robotic production line with twenty-four FANUC robots operating in a metal fabrication production line worth more than £15 million per annum in output. This is the future of competitive supply chain manufacturing.
Carl took me across to show me the work done on the new production line for the casings around battery technologies for hybrid and EV vehicles. This installation from Expert Technologies Group was particularly impressive and I was able to see this new investment going through final testing with ABB robots encase in a placing and sealed clean environment. As this involves electronic related technologies this has to be with as little human involvement. The automation really is impressive and has helped secure two large global automotive contracts for SERTEC which secure the company long into the future.
I was very impressed to see first hand the monitoring and training offered by SERTEC and how they invest in the staff at the site. They have a training system which has cameras on machines where they can offer immediate response through an in-house ‘VAR’ team. This ingenious plan means they are able to respond in real time and avoid costly production shut downs and also offer immediate on-site staff improvement.
With operations at five locations and investment planned across the Group as a whole, the future looks bright for Sertec. I personally want to thank Grant, Carl and Rachel for their valuable time and I will see them soon as the dust settles and automotive production gets back to normal here in the UK and across Europe as a whole.
In 2025, Sertec have achieved the Gold Standard “Excellent Employer” Accreditation, recognizing us as one of the UK’s top employers for Engineering Apprenticeships.
This achievement highlights a commitment to investing in the next generation of engineering talent, ensuring the future success and sustainability of UK industry. Sertec have received outstanding feedback from apprentices which reinforces the impact of a dedication to continuous improvement and investment in Early Career Talent.
‘We are now looking forward the next year of improvements based on the invaluable feedback from our apprentices and the process. We are beyond proud to have taken home two incredible awards this year– Apprentice of the Year and HSE Initiative of the Year! These wins reflect our commitment to people-first leadership, safety excellence, and the incredible talent within our business.’
Rachel Starkey, Sertec Group, Senior Talent Business Partner
From MEM we can offer congratulations to James Pugh, Sertec’s Apprentice of the Year, as he was named at the Confederation of British Metalforming awards directly. Sertec’s HSE Business Partners have also been celebrated for their people-centric approach to health, safety, and environmental initiatives. The Group’s hard work in embedding safety into everything we do has helped drive real change across the business – and this award is a testament to that!
Written by Marc Thirkell
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