Major investment rolled out by Metsec

Left to right: Stephen Tilsley, Metsec Managing Director; Wolfgang Spreitzer, Metsec Chairman; Erle Andrews, Director of Metsec’s Structures Division; Sir Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI

Metsec has announced an £8.5M investment programme in its engineering division which will create up to 40 new jobs at its Oldbury, West Midlands plant.

Coinciding with the company’s 75th anniversary celebrations, the investment includes a new rolling mill for its framing division.

The £750,000 Bradbury mill has been installed to meet increased demand, further reduce lead times for its light gauge galvanised steel framing systems and increase its rolling capabilities.

Erle Andrews, Director of Metsec’s Structures Division said the new mill will provide more flexibility and allow orders of differing sizes to be processed easily giving better throughput.

“This is our fourth dedicated rolling mill for the division,” Mr Andrews said. “We are experiencing year-on-year 20% growth since we started production in 1994 and last year the framing division produced 12,000t,” he added.

The new mill will enable the business to produce 70mm section, pierced and in any length. Metsec is now able to manufacture and deliver 70mm to 200mm stud and track sections.

Commissioning the mill last month, former Director General of the CBI, Sir Digby Jones said: “Metsec is a shining example of the best of modern British manufacturing. It has delivered excellent customer service through continuous investment.”

Another aspect of the company’s investment is a £3M quick changeover rolling mill with pre-piercing capability for its Custom Roll Forming division.

Metsec Managing Director, Stephen Tilsley commented: “We have expanded and reorganised our main site, built an additional manufacturing centre and installed state-of-the-art equipment. This will also ensure we continue to be market leaders in the future.”