Sertec Group

Sertec Celebrates £20,000 Milestone for Birmingham Children’s Hospital with Cheque Presentation and Continued Community Support

Sertec Group — 09/10/2025

Sertec Group Holdings proudly presented a £20,000 cheque to Birmingham Children’s Hospital this month, marking a major milestone in its charity fundraising efforts for the 2025 financial year. The donation reflects the collective generosity and commitment of Sertec employees across all sites, who have rallied behind the company’s chosen charity of the year through a series of spirited events and initiatives.

From bake sales and raffles to football tournaments and the Royal Sutton Fun Run and Dragon boat races; Sertec’s people have gone above and beyond to raise a total of £22,197, bringing the company within touching distance of its £25,000 target. The cheque was presented by members of Sertec’s charity team, including Dave Steggles, Kira McClure, and Abbi Brown, during a heartfelt visit to the hospital.

“This achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our people,” said Dave Steggles, Group Commercial Director at Sertec. “It’s been truly inspiring to see such a wide range of fundraising activities embraced by so many of our colleagues, at Sertec... every effort and every kind donation has helped us support an incredibly important place that touches the lives of so many families. This is Sertec at its best—united an focused on supporting an incredible cause."

Beyond fundraising, Sertec employees have also contributed their time and energy through volunteering. Recent initiatives include:

Garden maintenance at Waterfall House, preparing the hospital’s courtyard for its festive Christmas grotto.
Arts and crafts sessions in the waiting room, where volunteers engaged children with colouring and puzzles to brighten their hospital experience.

These efforts reflect Sertec’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and its people-first culture. The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme continues to empower employees to give back in meaningful ways, reinforcing Sertec’s role as a responsible and compassionate employer. With just under £3,000 left to reach the fundraising goal, Sertec is calling on its teams and partners to help finish the year strong.

Sertec return to growth

Sertec Group — 17/12/2019

Made in the Midlands member Setec, a Jaguar Land Rover supplier headquartered on the edge of Birmingham is projecting a more than 50 per cent increase in EBITDA and said it is performing ahead of expectations.

Newly filed documents for Coleshill-based Sertec Corporation for the year to 31 March 2019 have revealed its turnover went from £273.4m to £232m while it made a pre-tax loss of £8.9m after reporting a profit of £4.6m in the prior 12 months.

Sertec said its performance was down to it being forced to cut jobs, close sites, agree "economic adjustments" with its customers and suppliers as well as launch a "comprehensive review" of the facilities it acquired as part of the purchase of the Wild Group in August 2016 as a result of Jaguar Land Rover's "sudden and unexpected" decision to reduce its parts orders in October 2018.

A statement signed off by the board said:

"The group reported a 15 per cent year-on-year decrease in turnover which was the significant contributing factor to the group reporting a small underlying operating loss."

The board also decided in March 2019 to agree a refinancing plan which would provide the group with "sufficient financial resilience" to be able to cope with similar events should it happen again in the future.

Completed on 28 June 2019, the move strengthened the group's balance sheet and provided it with £10m of new cash.

Sertec added that while the measures incurred one-off charges, it still reported an EBITDA of £10.1m which it said was "reassuring".

The group has forecasted that it will achieve a higher EBITDA for the year to 31 March 2020.

Also during the year significant investment in additional presswork capacity and automation was completed and the logistics functions were centralised into a new distribution centre at Hams Hall in north Warwickshire.

The group also confirmed that it secured nearly £1bn-worth of new contracts during the year.

Chief executive Grant Adams added:

"Given ongoing uncertainty, the past 12 months hasn’t been without its challenges across the wider sector, but we’re stronger for it and already seeing the rewards with new contract wins from a number of car manufacturers.

"We’re optimistic about the year ahead. Our ongoing investment in new technologies is what’s made us one of the UK’s leading OEM suppliers.

"The opportunity in the industry around electric vehicles is huge and we’re at the forefront of that.

"Internationally - our site in Hungary is perfectly placed for the mainland European market at the centre of an automotive manufacturing hub. Our aim is to double the turnover of this location in coming years."

Source: Insider Media Limited

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Sertec’s biggest acquisition sees new foothold in Europe

Sertec Group — 25/08/2016

Major automotive supplier The Sertec Group has announced their largest ever take over with the 100% acquisition of Midlands headquartered WILD automotive (AWC Industries Ltd) creating a £250m turnover Group with 10 manufacturing plants across the UK, Germany and Hungary.

The deal represents a transformational opportunity for Sertec through enhancing its product capabilities, customer portfolio and providing an international platform at the heart of the European automotive hub.

The WILD group of businesses specialise in the manufacture of high quality technical components and assemblies for Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Specifically, WILDs expertise is in precision components, fine blanked components, wire forming, wire seat frames, spring parts and complex stamped assemblies, with the business enjoying a leading market share in the supply of wire seat frames to the UK automotive industry.

Whilst Sertec currently manufactures wire products, this is not its core capability and the acquisition of WILD will significantly enhance the companys offering to both existing and potential customers.

With WILDs manufacturing plants in Witton Birmingham, Redditch, Hungary and Germany, this is the perfect fit for Sertec to fulfil its European expansion plans.

Combined with Sertecs primary experience in steel and aluminium body structural assemblies, WILDs own strengths present an exciting opportunity to diversify into the manufacture of other components, in areas of a vehicle not yet explored by Sertec.

The acquisition is precisely the kind of accelerated growth provided for by the £20m funding invested in Sertec by Business Growth Fund (BGF) and Lloyds Banking Group back in February this year. Both have invested further to support this latest transaction, alongside Santander Bank, which makes its first syndicated contribution to the growth plans of Sertec. In addition, K&H provided local asset finance in Hungary.

Sertec Group Managing Director Dave Steggles said This is probably the most important acquisition in Sertecs history, not only because of the size of the business, but because of the new opportunities it presents. The expertise and experience of the Wilds Management Team will be invaluable in our future growth plans.

WILDs skill set complements ours and together we can develop an even broader engineering expertise to offer our combined customer base. Whilst we can now provide our own customers even greater capability on wire and spring products, we very much look forward to working with the new customers WILD brings to the Group, and the opportunity to introduce our expertise to their businesses.

Additionally, our continuing development and knowledge in lightweight technologies is enhanced by the engineering resource now available to us at WILDs facility in Germany.

The Germany and Hungary operations give us the foothold in both Western and Eastern Europe we were looking for, to help support our own existing customers expansion. This is absolutely right for Sertec in so many ways.

Sertec CEO Grant Adams said The additional support of our funding partners has enabled us to implement this, the next stage of our growth plans and it comes hot on the heels of our agreement to centralise our Logistics operation at Hams Hall Estate. This acquisition is essential to not only our own vision, but to that of our major customers.

I would also like to acknowledge Allan Cook and his management team for their outstanding work in building WILD into the business it is today. As Allan retires from the business, I can assure him that the contribution of his business to the Sertec Group will be significant and vitally important to our future.

The Midlands deal team at PWC acted as both lead advisor on the acquisition and provided debt advisory support for the refinancing with Weightmans providing legal advice to Sertec. Quercus & Penningtons acted on behalf of AWC Industries.

Sertec: Reshaping for the Future

Sertec Group — 12/11/2025

Sertec Group announced a significant evolution in its leadership structure, effective 5 January 2026, as part of a broader strategy to reshape the organisation and adapt to a fast-changing market, positioning the business for long-term success in sustainable engineering solutions.

For over six decades, Sertec has thrived by embracing change. From its first automotive contract in the 1960s to its recent investments in automation and electrification, one principle has always guided the company: adapt to lead, not follow.

Founded in 1962, Sertec evolved in the automotive sector and is now firmly established in electric vehicle (EV) and adjacent markets, delivering advanced solutions across multiple sectors. Today, Sertec is recognised as a leading provider of sustainable engineering solutions, specialising in precision pressing, joining technologies, and coatings for both automotive and non-automotive applications.

Leadership Changes

“I take great pride in the success Sertec has achieved under my leadership—growing from a strong foundation into a business that is respected for its innovation and ability to adapt,” said Grant Adams, Sertec Group. “As I step into the role of Chairman from January, I am incredibly proud to pass the CEO baton to Ben Higgins. Ben has been instrumental in our growth for over 20 years, and I know he will lead Sertec into an exciting new chapter.”

Sertec is pleased to announce the following appointments, effective Monday, 5 January 2026:

Ben Higgins – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Ben’s career at Sertec spans 20 years, with leadership roles including Operations Director, Commercial Director, HR Director, Logistics Manager, and Purchasing. His experience and vision will drive the business forward to ensure a sustainable, thriving future as Sertec enters an exciting new chapter.

Carl Milbourne – Group Operations Director
Carl has been instrumental in transforming operations at Sertec’s Coleshill plants, earning industry recognition for innovation and efficiency. In his expanded role, Carl will join the Board of Directors and oversee operations across all manufacturing sites.

Antal Mihalicz – Plant Director, Sertec Automotive Systems Hungary (SASH)
Antal brings deep operational expertise and leadership experience, ensuring Sertec’s Hungarian operations continue to deliver world-class performance as the company strengthens its European footprint.

Grant Adams will now focus on his Chairman responsibilities, supporting external relationships, strategic partnerships, and guiding the company’s overall direction.

“I am confident that this new structure positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities and drive continued growth and innovation,” added Adams. “I look forward to the expertise, energy, and passion that Ben, Carl, Antal, and the entire team will bring as we shape the next chapter of Sertec’s journey.”

Sertec secures quality succession

Sertec Group — 02/11/2016

International automotive supplier Sertec has awarded a shareholding to its Group Quality and Projects Director Peter Pugh, in a move to reward and secure his services for the future.

Part ownership will take the form of growth shares, based on the increasing value of the business.

Peter joined Sertec as a Quality Engineer when the company acquired GN Hicks in 1993 and quickly developed to become Quality Manager for the Birmingham based business. His drive and devotion to improving quality procedures saw him rewarded with a place on the Group Board in 2010.

This coincided with Sertec Birmingham earning the accolade of Jaguar Land Rovers Best Supplier for Quality Performance and being awarded JLRQ accreditation in the same year.

Announcing the provision of Growth Shares to Peter, Group Finance Director Martyn Hughes said As the shape of our business changes through growth, we need to add more pillars of strength to the solid foundations which already exist at Sertec. Peter has been a long standing and influential policy maker on quality projects within the Company and he is very much part of the succession plans for the years ahead.

Group Managing Director Dave Steggles added, Sertec is evolving to the needs and aspirations of the global automotive industry; and as we expand our international footprint, Peters stringent supervision of standards within the Group is essential to our future.

Sertecs principal shareholders decision to offer growth shares to key people within the business has been fully endorsed by investor partners The Business Growth Fund, who first teamed up with the company in February this year to inject capital to help accelerate growth.

Sertec has since opened a new Logistics Centre at Hams Hall near Coleshill for the distribution of finished goods and additionally, with extended syndicated banking facilities provided by Lloyds and Santander together with a further BGF investment, has acquired Wild Automotive, in a deal which increased the size of the business to £250 million, now employing over 2,500 people.

The DNA of a Leader – The Legacy of a Team: Grant Adams, CEO of Sertec

Sertec Group — 21/08/2025

By Ilona Pitt, Made in the Midlands

Meet Grant Adams, CEO of Sertec - a global manufacturing group with thousands of employees across multiple sites and countries and a turnover in the hundreds of millions. Yet it’s not the title or the numbers that stay with you. It’s the way he walks into a room. The suit is sharp, the handshake firm, the expression measured. He carries himself with quiet authority, rarely giving away a full smile, but when he does, it’s worth the wait - the cool cat in every boardroom and factory floor.

Sit across from him and the layers start to show. A Brummie wit, a Villa fan’s loyalty - quick with a quip, always playing the long game. Behind the stories is a company with a remarkable arc: from a West Midlands “metal bashing” outfit to a modern Tier 1 supplier of complex body structures and energy management components for electric vehicles - and increasingly, into advanced engineering solutions beyond the automotive sector.

Grant Adams’s story is more than a career timeline - it’s a masterclass in resilience, loyalty, and leadership. This isn’t just an interview - it’s a glimpse into four decades of a man whose leadership is woven into Sertec’s DNA. From the moment he first stood at the Sertec’s gatehouse in 1983, he’s guided the business through booms, busts and breakthroughs - always anchored by the belief that leadership is about people.

Ilona Pitt: You’ve spoken about the first night you felt part of Sertec - before you were even on the payroll. Why does that memory still stay with you?

Grant Adams: It was 1983, two years before I officially joined. I was at the gatehouse as a customer, meeting Sertec’s founder, Harry Mosedale, about a problem with a part. And I felt something I couldn’t quite name - a rare sense of belonging. Call it culture, call it chemistry… around here, we call it DNA. Harry saw it in me that night. Once it’s in you, it never leaves. At that moment, I was a young man brimming with ambition and the corporate experience Harry had been searching for.

IP: A young man with ambition, standing at the doorway of a world he didn’t yet belong to - but already felt part of.

GA: Exactly. I didn’t know the ins and outs of the business, but I could sense the heartbeat of it. There was pride in the way people spoke, carried themselves, treated customers. Harry was one of those rare leaders who could see not just where someone was, but where they might go. From that moment, I was in. Not officially, but he got me, and I thought to myself, “I wish I worked here.”

If you’d told me that night this £2.5 million business would one day employ thousands across continents, host Prime Ministers and feature on every major TV channel - I’d have believed you. Even then, I knew there was something special here.

IP: That DNA seems to run through your leadership style. How would you describe it?

GA: My strength has always been people skills. I’m not the best engineer - and that’s actually been an advantage. When people don’t assume you know everything, they open up. You hear the ideas, the fixes, the real difference-makers. My job is to listen, connect the right people, and make sure they have the tools and space to get on with it.

The early career breakthrough came in the late ’70s at British Leyland’s Sherpa Van site in Washwood Heath, when I became the site’s first-ever Commercial Apprentice. I wasn’t cut out for the shop floor, but I could deal with characters and get things moving. That’s when I realised - this is what I can do.

It’s about trust both ways. Trusting people to deliver, and them trusting that I’ll back them when it counts. If you keep your word - even when it’s not what they want to hear - you keep their respect. That’s why you see people here who’ve left and come back, or apprentices who’ve risen right through to the boardroom.

IP: It wasn’t a straight path to the role, or was it?

GA: Not at all. I failed all my A-Levels. My mother worked in manufacturing and vouched for me when I applied for early apprentice roles. She believed in me before I’d proved anything. Without her, I wouldn’t be here.

That’s why I’m so passionate about giving people opportunities. Early in my career, others took a chance on me. They entrusted me with responsibilities I may not have been fully ready for on paper, but I rose to the challenge. At just 29, I was appointed Sertec’s Commercial Director - a promise from Harry that he kept.

We’ve had apprentices who started on the shop floor and ended up in the boardroom. That’s the Sertec DNA - belief that grows in people and stays with them.

IP: It sounds like connection is at the heart of your leadership.

GA: On my 40th anniversary, Graham Mosedale told me there was nobody else who could have brought together so many people from different walks of life into the same room and made it work. That meant a great deal to me.

Graham - Harry’s son - was the man with the vision on the shop floor, the engineer who could make things happen. I carried that vision forward, and together we made a strong team. Add Martyn Hughes to the mix - my school friend who stepped up as Finance Director alongside me in 1989 - and we were unstoppable. Well, unstoppable until Martin said so. His departure a few years ago was tough - both professionally and personally.

IP: Sounds like a dream team at the time.

GA: Alongside us was Dave Steggles, who I mentored from apprentice during the ’90s right through to standing shoulder to shoulder with us in the MBO of 2006, and again during the Mosedale family’s final departure in 2016. Dave’s rise was proof of the Sertec DNA in action – talent recognised, trust given, responsibility earned.

These were the moments of succession. Graham placed the key in our hands. His father had built the door; Graham trusted us to open it. And as we stepped through as shareholders, the Mosedale family stepped away – not in retreat, but in continuation of Harry’s plan for succession, ensuring the business lived on in new hands. Together, we had the DNA, the courage, and the readiness to carry Sertec into its next chapter.

Succession is the entry; leadership demands choices that don’t just mark a moment, but echo for decades - in you and those around you.

I’ve always been straight with people. Even when I’ve had to let someone go, I’ve done it in a way that kept respect intact. One of my closest mates has been made redundant by me twice – he’s now running a plant for us. That’s the truth of leadership: sometimes, if you treat people right, they’ll come back. And sometimes, they don’t. Either way, those absences and returns shape you – because in leadership, you carry them all.

Not just a sign at HQ — a lived truth in the hearts of the Sertec team.

IP: Looking at Sertec today, how would you describe where you’ve taken the company?

GA: Sertec now is unrecognisable from when I started. Alongside pressings and welded structures, we’re deep into EV energy management - battery cell covers, busbars, dielectric coatings - precision parts at the heart of battery packs.

Our stamping centre turns out over a million pressed parts a week. We’ve invested heavily in automation and expansion across our UK sites, with further growth in Europe. That scale brings pressure, but it also brings resilience.

IP: How have you stayed ahead of the changes in manufacturing?

GA: Back then, it was manual presses, welders in booths. Now we’ve got progression and transfer presses doing in one hit what used to take several, welding that’s almost entirely robotic.

Our mission now is sustainable engineering solutions. That meant expanding into technical, high-value work - laser welding, joining dissimilar metals, automation-heavy assemblies. It’s not just a buzzword. It’s why we’ve won contracts far beyond traditional stamping and welding.

Right now, the automotive market is oversupplied. If you’ve only got one offer, you’re already on the back foot. We’ve ensured Sertec is poised for whatever comes next beyond automotive, securing a broad mix of major, diverse contracts that keep our shop floors busy, our future flexible and our team ready.

IP: With growth on that scale, there must have been testing moments.

GA: Plenty. I’ve led through customer collapses, recessions, Brexit, COVID-19, ownership transitions - even a complete industry shutdown.

In those moments, you’re under immense financial and operational pressure, and the only way through is to keep calm, keep clear, and keep people’s trust.

Calm isn’t passive - it’s decisive. It’s reading the room, knowing when to act, and making sure everyone believes you’ve got it covered. If the leader loses their head, the team will follow.

IP: Leadership has its costs too.

GA: It does. One of the hardest moments was making Ken Grogan - a Sertec legend - redundant. Not long after, I learned he’d passed away. Looking back, I know it wasn’t the right decision. That was over 20 years ago, but it still haunts me. Leadership isn’t just about performance - it’s about people’s lives. You move on from the moment, but you carry the weight of it.

IP: And the personal milestones?

GA: My 25th anniversary party in 2010 stands out. Harry had left the company, but he and his wife Irene still turned up. They said they would never miss it - it’s Grant. My mum once told me, “Harry changed your life.” She was right.

This year’s 40th anniversary was humbling. The people, the gifts, the memories - it made me stop and think about the effect I’ve had on their lives.

Then there’s a building that means a great deal to me - where I spent the majority of my career from the early ’90s through to 2014. It’s about to have a new chapter that carries my name, in recognition from the people working at Sertec. My full name - only my mother once called me, because I’m too cool for cats - will now stand above the door. But to me, this will be more than a sign; it’s about creating a space that reflects our values and is built for the people who work here. This will be officially announced soon, and I am humbled and proud.

IP: Your message to the next generation of manufacturing leaders?

GA: Never make a promise you can’t keep, and always treat people as you’d want to be treated. Your attitude shapes everything - relationships, reputation and results. Embrace the challenge - because the challenge is the change.

Grant Adams is nominated for The Great100 Awards in recognition of four decades of resilience, transformation, and people-first leadership.

From that night at the gatehouse in 1983 to today, Grant has carried Sertec’s DNA - and shaped it for everyone who followed. His story with Sertec is still being written. The Mosedale family call him the man who changed the face of Sertec; his mother said Harry Mosedale changed his life. Both were right.

The buildings, the teams, the milestones past and those still to come – all tell the story of a leader who never walks alone.

The DNA of a Leader becomes the Legacy of a Team.

And once it’s in you, it never leaves you.

Sertec Hosts Made in Group for a Landmark Factory Tour

Sertec Group — 14/11/2025

Every factory tour tells a story, but some leave a deeper impression. Sertec’s event at Wincaster House was one of those moments, offering members a rare, close look at a business evolving at remarkable pace while staying grounded in a culture that has become its defining strength. On a crisp November morning, members from Made in Yorkshire, Made in the Midlands, and Made in the South West arrived to experience a business in motion: one balancing six decades of heritage with a confident step into electrification and future-ready manufacturing.

Networking set the tone for the day: engaged conversations, new introductions, and a shared curiosity about Sertec’s transformation. Among those speaking with members was Sertec CEO Grant Adams, whose leadership has been central to Sertec’s modern evolution. His presence carried particular resonance as Sertec prepares for his transition to Chairman in January 2026.

When everyone gathered, Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in Group, opened with a message that resonated deeply. He spoke about the concept of “social entropy” - the slow erosion of industrial capability - and the need to rebuild the UK’s manufacturing foundation. “It can be reversed,” he said, “but only if we strengthen the ecosystem around British industry.” It was a statement that framed the morning with both urgency and purpose.

Made Members enjoying conversations during the networking session at Wincaster House.

People, Heritage and Transformation

Operations Manager Adam Walker began the presentation with a grounding statement: “It’s all about the people.” He reflected on his own path from temporary operator overseeing a team of approximately 350 colleagues, explaining how that journey shaped his understanding of what people need to succeed. His perspective grounded the morning in lived experience rather than corporate language.

Continuous Improvement Manager Chris Durrant then guided guests through Sertec’s history: from its founding in 1962, to the milestone Land Rover contract of the 1970s, through heavy stampings in the 1990s, aluminium structures in 2008, the transition to Wincaster House, European expansion, and finally, Sertec’s growing role in EV and hybrid components.

But it was the cultural journey that stood out most. They spoke openly about how the business changed direction in 2019, shifting from instruction to engagement. Customer concerns fell from 100 across two plants to just nine last year. The company’s learning platform, Bamboo, was named by employees to symbolise flexibility and growth. Birthday lunches with leadership, Sertec Stars recognition, and a charity effort that raised £25,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital all point to a culture where people genuinely matter.

Operators now record self-filmed demonstrations at their own pace, removing pressure and creating a psychologically safe learning environment. Combined with Bamboo and the Dojo training space, Sertec has built a structured, modern pathway for talent development that is unusual in scale and clarity.

Before guests stepped onto the factory floor, the team acknowledged the contribution of Carl Milbourne, soon to be Group Operations Director, whose influence was felt throughout the event preparations. Carl was attending The Manufacturer MX Awards, where Sertec won the People & Skills category, a fitting recognition for a business that places people at the centre of everything it does.

Made Members listening intently to the presentation that opened the factory tour.

The Factory Tour: Guided by the Team Who Operate It

Equipped with PPE, guests were divided into groups led by Sertec’s knowledgeable team: Sam Sadler, Production Manager; Daryl Mir, Quality Manager; Daniel Lees, Logistics Manager; and Alex Statcu, Shift Coordinator. Each guide offered perspective drawn from real daily operations, giving the tour an authenticity rarely found in more formal settings.

Group One on the move – Production Manager Sam Sadler leading the way into Wincaster House.

The Bus Bar Area - A Running Line Brought to Life

The first major stop was the lattice bus bar line, a fully operational process supplying components for the Range Rover Sport battery pack. As the group entered, the line was running behind the guarding, its rhythmic movement forming a steady backdrop while the guides talked visitors through each stage.

They explained how aluminium and copper elements are prepared, how the staking stations lock the assembly, and how built-in inspections verify each step before a part moves forward. Standing beside the cycling process brought a new level of understanding, with the commentary translating what usually moves too quickly into a clear, structured view.

One attendee remarked quietly, “You don’t realise how much goes into something hidden inside a battery pack.” It summed up the room’s reaction - a sudden appreciation for the sophistication behind a component most people will never see, but every EV depends on.

Made Members witnessing Sertec’s manufacturing in action during the factory tour.

The EV Installation Area - Preparing for 2026

The tour then moved into the EV installation area, which is currently in the early stages of development. The space was mostly open, with the first structural elements of the new equipment visible. Richard Edwards, Head, of Group Assembly Engineering, explained how two new EV lines, each designed for multi-million-unit annual output, will occupy the hall once fully commissioned.

He outlined where the main line, its sister line, and the future coating and dielectric processes will sit, and confirmed that installation is progressing toward becoming fully operational in 2026. While no machinery was running at this stage, the walkthrough conveyed the scale and ambition behind Sertec’s next major manufacturing capability.

The VAR Studio - Innovation Rooted in Clarity

From there, visitors stepped into the VAR Studio, an in-house quality system inspired by football’s video-assisted refereeing. Introduced as part of Chris Durrant’s continuous improvement programme, the system gives real-time clarity during potential process deviations. When something does not look right, the system freezes the process and alerts a quality operator, who reviews the footage from the moments leading up to the issue before resetting the line.

“It’s just for quality purposes, not for any disciplinary action,” explained Lawrence Nyame, the VAR inspector, as he demonstrated how the system works. “It stops the process so we can check the footage and make sure the part is right before anything moves forward.” The results have been striking: missing fasteners reduced by 44 percent in the first year and now sitting at around 99 percent improvement. For many attendees, this blend of simplicity and clarity was one of the morning’s standout examples of Sertec’s innovation mindset.

Inside Sertec’s VAR Studio, Alex Sfatcu leads the demonstration while Lawrence Nyame showcases how the replay system supports real-time quality decisions.

The Dojo - Training Built Around Real Life

The final stop was the Dojo, Sertec’s immersive training area designed to simulate real production scenarios. Operators, new and experienced, learn through movement, problem-solving and tactile engagement rather than static instruction. Machines are risk-rated from green to amber to red, giving staff a clear, safe progression path.

“You can feel the vibe the moment you walk in,” one visitor commented. It was true - the Dojo felt alive. As Dylan Enfield, Continuous improvement Process Engineer, explained, “It’s not about how good someone is when they join us. It’s about how good we are at training them.”

In the Dojo training area, Dylan Enfield, Continuous Improvement Process Engineer, walks members through Sertec’s hands-on learning and safety systems.

Open Dialogue - Q&A

The morning closed with a Q&A that touched on several themes raised during the presentations and tour. Guests asked about Bamboo’s employee-led development and Sertec’s early trials with AI in documentation and standardisation, as well as how ideas from the shop floor influence major investments through the company’s engagement committee and suggestion scheme. The discussion then turned to automation and the future shape of roles within the business, with Adam emphasising Sertec’s transparent approach and the support offered to colleagues as processes evolve. As he put it, “When one door closes in this business, another opens,” a line that captured the people-first mindset running through every part of the morning.

Operations Manager Adam Walker and Continuous Improvement Manager Chris Durrant respond to member questions during the closing Q&A session.

Closing Reflections - and a Look Toward 2026

Before guests departed, the Sertec team shared a final update that brought genuine warmth to the room. The Heavy Stampings site, located just a short walk away, has recently been renamed Grantham House, a decision made by employees to honour Grant Adams’ 40th anniversary with the business. The site is now undergoing a major transformation aligned with Sertec’s future strategy.

As Sertec looks ahead, the business is also preparing for its next chapter of leadership. Group Operations Director Ben Higgins is set to become the company’s next CEO, a transition that reflects the organisation’s commitment to developing its own people and strengthening continuity at a pivotal moment in its growth.

Guests were then invited to return in 2026 for Part Two of the Sertec story, a dedicated tour of the newly revitalised Grantham House. If Wincaster House shows who Sertec is today, Grantham House will show who Sertec is becoming.

As visitors stepped back into the cold November air, the feeling was unmistakable: this was not just a tour. It was a glimpse into the next era of British manufacturing - and the people determined to shape it.

Sertec Drives European Growth with £4m Investment

Sertec Group — 05/01/2021

Automotive components manufacturer Sertec Group has landed a £4m investment from growth capital investor BGF as the business looks ahead to European growth.

Since BGF’s initial investment in 2016, the business has expanded its customer base, invested in new technologies and established a strong European footprint through acquisitions and new hires.

This year, Sertec has secured significant new contract wins in the electric vehicle (EV) and lightweight technology markets using its engineering expertise and innovative technology know-how.

The company has recently completed a world-class battery component assembly line in Coleshill.

Grant Adams, CEO at Sertec said: “We’re ambitious about continuing to grow the company and BGF’s additional investment allows us to build on the strong foundations we’ve put in place. We start 2021 with a strong balance sheet and exciting growth prospects in Europe underpinned by our recent hires. Juergen Schreiner joins as European sales director and Antal Mihalicz has been appointed managing director in Sertec’s Hungarian operation.

“Our technology positions us at the forefront of the sector to take advantage of the huge potential presented by the growing EV market in the UK and Europe.”

This investment news follows the appointment of Nick Sanders as non-executive chair in May 2020.

BGF investor Tom Horton said: “BGF’s renewed commitment to Sertec is testament to the strength of the business’ leadership and ongoing investment in new technologies.

“In a very challenging year, the company has continued to secure significant, long-term contracts as it expands its customer base. We look forward to working with the team in its next chapter of growth.”

Sertec Group operates across eight sites, with six manufacturing sites in the Midlands in the UK, one manufacturing site in Aszar, Hungary and one in Hückeswagen, Germany, plus a tooling technical centre based in Dongguan, China.

DLA Piper advised the company and Shoosmiths acted for BGF.

(Source: Business Desk)

Tina stamps her mark for women in manufacturing

Sertec Group — 18/01/2017

As the face of automotive engineering continues to change at pace, a greater number of women are being employed on factory shop floors than ever before.

But where managerial positions were once the sole domain of men, women in manufacturing are now taking up key roles in the industry.

Automotive supplier The Sertec Group is a manufacturer employing 2000 people in the UK, 15% of which are women. But 2017 heralds the appointment of the companys first female Plant Manager.

One of a number of changes within the Group, Tina Vaissiere is promoted from within to take up the position of Plant Manager of Sertecs Light Stampings operation in Aston, Birmingham.

Sertec Group Managing Director Dave Steggles was full of praise for Tinas rise through the company. Whilst we have senior managers in both Learning & Development and Accounts departments, this is our first senior female appointment in an engineering operations capacity. Not only is this very important to us here at Sertec, but we believe it sends out a strong message to our industry as a whole about women in engineering. Tina commands the respect of her colleagues through her knowledge, experience and sheer hard work and fully deserves this new role.

Importantly, Tina has earned her spurs with 20 years manufacturing experience, starting her career as a Press Operator at wire forming company Tulgrove, gaining further experience in assembly, purchasing and sales.

With the acquisition of Tulgrove in 2010, Tina became an integral part of Sertecs Presslite business, (now renamed Sertec Light Pressings) developing into coordinator roles in both logistics and manufacturing at the companys longest standing factory site, on Holborn Hill, Aston.

Tina takes over the reins from another success story of a career developed through acquisition.

Scott Taylor joined Sertec as a Customer Analyst when SEP Presstech was bought in 2000. He later became Logistics Manager at Presslite and struck up a strong working relationship with Tina, which has served the business well ever since.

Experience gained in Operations and then MP&L Management roles eventually led him to become Plant Manager for the Aston and Saltley sites last year.

Scott hands over the lead role to Tina as he is promoted to Group Logistics Manager, based at Sertecs Group Logistics Centre at Hams Hall near Coleshill.

Group CEO Grant Adams said As both Tina and Scott take on key positions within the company, it is important to note that both of them have worked with us through acquisition of their previous employers and have seized the opportunities presented to them. We are always keen to promote people from within and both are evidence of the career paths afforded by Sertec.

Sertec Group named as Company of the Year at the ‘Metalforming Oscars’

Sertec Group — 29/04/2024

A supplier of millions of components every day to cars, lorries and engines has been named as the Confederation of British Metalforming’s Company of the Year at a prestigious event last night.

Member of Made in the Midlands, Sertec Group, which employs over 2200 people across ten global locations, beat off strong competition from the sector to win the main award, with judges impressed by ‘its journey to excellence’ that has seen it enjoy a major increase in productivity, improvements in on-time delivery in full and the implementation of a comprehensive employee engagement approach.

With 200 people in attendance at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, the Coleshill Headquartered company was joined on stage by KMF Precision Sheet Metal’s Kayleigh Simm (Apprentice of the Year) and G-TEM, who was a double winner on the evening (HSE Initiative and Energy Efficiency).

Caption for CBM Award Winners 2024 (L): Darren Wilding, Joshua Wood (both G-TEM), Kayleigh Simm (KMF Precision Sheet Metal), Ben Higgins and Martin Hinckley (both Sertec Group)

The latter, a global manufacturer of vehicle body structures, has demonstrated a clear passion for implementing ISO 45001 with the aim of creating a safer working environment, whilst its commitment towards Net Zero by 2035 has seen it introduce quarterly energy audits and commission a 200% increase in its solar power capability.

Emissions have decreased by more than a quarter (28%) because of these initiatives, with sales also growing by a staggering 56% due to major new business awards.

Steve Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), commented: “It has been another difficult year for the metalforming sector, who are facing up to global conflicts, continued supply chain disruption and high inflation.

“In spite of all this, our members have continued to show great resilience and innovation to post increased sales, export growth and investment in safety, people and new technology.”

He continued: “This is illustrated by the winners at our Annual Dinner. All of them are striving to be the best they can be in their respective fields and, importantly, are committed to raising the profile of our sector and what UK manufacturing can do.”

19-year-old Kayleigh Simm is putting ‘girl power’ on the industrial map after she was recognised as the CBM’s Apprentice of the Year.

She joined Newcastle-under-Lyme’s KMF Precision Sheet Metal in 2022 and her drive for engineering has shone through as she progresses within the company and, importantly, in the way she champions vocational learning to other young people.

This has seen her lead a KMF team at 15 school and college career fairs, as well as acting as an outstanding apprentice advocate on its Apprenticeship Open Day that attracted over 140 visitors.

Kayleigh is now setting her sights on undertaking a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

Geraldine Bolton, CEO of the CBM, went on to add: “It is fantastic to have a female engineer win the Apprentice of the Year title, and this will no doubt help us attract more girls into our sector.

“Our Annual Dinner continues to be an excellent vehicle for promoting and celebrating the very best of the UK’s metalforming sector. In addition to the awards, more than 200 guests also enjoyed an inspirational talk by Dave Heeley OBE, who has earned the nickname of ‘Blind Dave’ after raising hundreds of thousands of pounds completing marathons and other endurance challenges.”

The Confederation of British Metalforming represents the interests of more than 200 UK manufacturers of fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold rolled and sheet-metal products.

Its Awards were kindly sponsored by Crowe UK, Greenfields Energy Group, Steel & Alloy Gonvarri Industries, and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Find out more about Sertec by heading to their microsite https://sertec.madeinthemidlands.com/

Not a member of Made in the Midlands? Contact us now.

Sertec presses ahead with £10m+ ‘ZANI’ investment

Sertec Group — 07/04/2016

One of the UKs fastest growing automotive suppliers has signed its largest ever press investment ahead of MACH 2016.

The Sertec Group, which is a world class manufacturer of stampings and welded assemblies, has tapped into the machinery expertise of Bruderer UK to identify and purchase 12 machines to help them meet growing volume demands from many of the worlds largest car makers.

The first tier supplier has committed more than £10m to the three-year modernisation programme that has seen it start to install a host of ZANI Motion Master presses (with unique ram velocity slow-down kinematics), ranging from 250 to 800 tonnes.

It marks the continuation of a long-term relationship between the company and Bruderer UK and will give it the speed, quality and capacity to develop structural stampings in both steel and aluminium for all of the new Jaguar Land Rover models.

We have been the exclusive sales, spare parts and service provider for ZANI for more than two years in the UK and this is without doubt the biggest deal weve ever agreed, explained Adrian Haller, Managing Director of Bruderer UK.

Our specialists were invited in by Sertec to look at an upgrade plan for part of its press shop. We looked closely at its requirements, the end application and predictions of volumes going forward, with the answer to many of these questions being ZANI.

He continued: The Italian firms presses have been used by Sertec for more than 20 years and are renown for their durability, precision and their ability to prolong tool life. It initially started out as six machines, but quickly grew to 12, with all of them being fitted with coil lines and servo feeds.

Our engineers will also be responsible for providing a full service, maintenance and spares programme that will ensure the presses are operating effectively and suffer from the minimal amount of downtime as possible.

Dave Steggles, Managing Director of Sertec Group, added his support: We expect to grow our £197m turnover significantly in 2016 and the key to continuing this momentum is to ensure we are investing in our technology and our capability.

This project is unprecedented in terms of size and has quickly escalated from 6 presses to 12. Its a learning curve, but one well complete and one that will deliver greater quality, manufacturing performance and capacity to our customers.

This news comes less than a week before Bruderer unveils the BSTA 410-110 at MACH, the first time the high speed press will have been seen in the UK.

Adrian concluded: MACH is a massive show for us and were delighted that well be able to showcase a number of new ZANI presses, along with some structural automotive parts manufactured by Sertecanother example of our collaborative approach.

For further information, please visit www.bruderer.co.uk or www.sertec.co.uk

Sertec’s acquired business awarded JLR Quality Standard

Sertec Group — 09/10/2016

Sertecs latest acquisition Wild Automotive has been awarded Jaguar Land Rovers Quality standard accreditation, JLRQ.

The companys site in Aston, Birmingham had qualified for JLRQ before Sertecs takeover of the business last month and has been awarded for quality manufacture and operating standards.

The factory specialises in the manufacture of precision components, closures and Deep Drawn parts and now forms an integral part of the Sertec Group of companies.

General Manager David Footman was delighted to accept the accreditation, saying Everyone here has worked very hard to achieve the standards required by JLRQ, but we know we need to keep improving under the stringent quality targets set by Jaguar Land Rover.

The products manufactured at Aston represent new expertise and skill sets for Sertec, to complement their existing stampings and assembled component work for Jaguar Land Rover and other automotive manufacturers.