A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd

Technological Advances at AEO

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 04/05/2016

AEO in Redditch are proud to announce an increase in press capability with the installation of a new 630T Aida Servo press line.

The Aida Servo package enables AEO to optimize, in accordance with the part height, slide motion and stroke length, allowing superior parts forming, increased tonnage and capacity. The superior control of the impact speed on the material available for the Aida Servo package enables increased productivity, improves die life and reduced die maintenance.

The investment will facilitate AEO to diversify into products with higher strength alloys and more complex components. The press also simulates fine blanking and is equipped with roller cleaners to enable changes from Ferrous to Non Ferrous metals. This along with the purchase of a further five 150T Aida presses will enable them to provide a more encompassing presswork solution, which will benefit both their current and prospective customers.

Weller Wheels part of the AEO group, designers and manufacturers of steel wheels since 1969, will also benefit from this technology. Recent growth in Weller Wheels has come from their innovation in designing and developing a spare wheel solution for the AA, on top of the supply of the Big Foot LR defender wheels for the recent Bond movie, Spectre, a solution for the Toyota Hilux and recently, securing a deal with Silverstone UK Experience.

Chris Oscroft , Managing Director said It is a courageous decision to make a commitment to invest so much in a short space of time, but with increased orders and volume of pressings enquiries we look to move the company forward into new ventures and support the growth of our current customers.

AEO offer a free Value Added Service

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 08/02/2017

We offer a free one day value added service. Our aim is to assist our customer's design teams; specifically to reduce costs by using our expertise in pressings and tooling; providing a competitive edge on new designs and development. We review the design and manufacturability, the reduction in component weight, minimise the quantity of operations and optimise material types.

When it comes to attention to detail and superior value added service, we go the extra mile, moving beyond simply manufacturing pressings, to providing customers with a total solution.

We supply a total service, from concept to design, through to prototype manufacture, tooling, and pressings development; providing a high quality value added service and encouraging close working partnerships throughout every project. We work with customers from design to complete production tooling and ensure their full involvement in the decision making process.

AEO has the experience and flexibility to meet the most challenging of projects.

Midlands manufacturer goes green with £1.9m investment into business expansion

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 26/03/2014

Midlands based manufacturers A. E. Oscroft & Sons Ltd( AEO), specialists in Presswork, Welding, Value added assemblies and Prototypes, are proud to announce expansion and investments totalling £1.9m.

AEO have moved from their 19.000sqft premises in Redditch to a new Brownfield site within the town comprising of some 53.000sqft. The Company has made substantial investments into sustainable and energy saving equipment, a new quality centre, toolroom facility and has introduced additional staff and workforce.

According to Director, Chris Oscroft. The new site, increased space and improved work flow system were necessary to keep ahead of the pace of the growing needs of our customers and the emergence of additional requirements for manufacturing capacity with the UK marketplace. AEO are currently consulting with existing and potential customers as to their requirements for the next 5 years.

To provide the new range of services, A. E. Oscroft have also hired additional members of staff, including tooling engineers, toolmakers, shop floor staff and senior managers, with plans to hire additional staff as required and introduce an apprenticeship programme within the coming months. The company is now able to offer increased capacities and quicker turnaround times to their customers whilst also maintaining overhead costs.

In addition, the firm has installed solar panels on the roof of its new plant with extra space to increase yield and fitted a dual state of the art biomass heating system and introduced low-energy lighting within the facility thereby reducing its carbon footprint and minimising the impact and dependence on fossil fuels.

A. E. Oscrofts Director, Tim Oscroft, says, Our aim is to run this business as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. We are monitoring all power consumptions on the new site and are making on-going efforts to continue to be cost competitive . Plus, we try to put an emphasis on UK manufacturing by producing as much as possible in-house and outsourcing all other processes to British subcontractors. This approach is also reflected in our plans to acquire businesses outside Britain and bring their production back to the UK.

Following the successful re-siting of the business AE Oscroft have followed through on its previously stated commitments and are pleased to announce that their fully operational Tool-room is now integrated into the fabric of the Business. Servicing our customers with new tooling solutions whilst also providing a preventative maintenance facility and a continuous improvement base .

January saw the commencement of an Apprenticeship scheme with the first three tool-making Apprentices starting their full time business life at the new facility in January of this year.

Chris Oscroft said Its our intention to annually invest in this Countrys young people as a long term succession planning solution which further reaffirms AEOs resolve to manufacture in the UK generally.

We are actively looking for Product partners to assist with their product development to take full advantage of the additional core competences that we now offer and we are ready for additional business ventures or acquisitions.

Examples of UK Companies who have already benefitted from our collaboration are, Weller Wheels and Ladbrooke 98 Ltd Soil blockers and newly developing Rotabench and following a 5 year development programme AEO are pleased to announce the sale of one of their own brand products Metalscreed to the multinational Peikko Ltd.

Welding solutions from AEO

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 20/02/2017

Our in-house welding facilities, some of which are automated, give greater control and tracking of finished articles to enable on-time deliveries to our customers. Our workshop is equipped with fully automated MIG, Robot MIG and TIG, Projection, Spot and Rotary welding systems, providing a flexible range of assembly options.

Nut Verification Systems (NVS) are installed on all resistance welders to ensure:

Up to 30 nuts per minute
Single or dual feeding
Prevents welding the incorrect nut and welding upside down nuts.
Detects missing nuts/workpiece
Detects double workpiece under nut

Each welder is also equipped with:

Computer controlled quality system, recording every weld
Digitally controlled pressure regulation

We are currently investigating a PQS system for each welder. This will give instant reduction in material and labour costs, as in process inspection intervals can be significantly reduced; cost effective quality and process management, availability of all key process and QA data for quick response in the event of an error.

Oscroft press ahead by investing £2m

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 02/09/2014

Following a period of sustained growth a Redditch based manufacturer has made a significant investment in their business, in doing so they are calling for the next generation of engineers.

AE Oscroft & Sons Ltd (AEO) have invested in excess of £2m in their family owned business. In doing so they have successfully expanded and re-sited it from an 18,000 sq ft property in Pipers Road, to a 53,500 sq ft property in Heming Road, Redditch.

This commitment allows the business to service their customers with new tooling solutions. It also provides a preventative maintenance facility and a continuous improvement base. Ensuring their customers have complete satisfaction by providing them with more efficient lead times and competitive prices.

To further enhance their tool room capabilities AEO invested a further £300k in state-of-the-art equipment, including a new Sodick CNC Wire-cut EDM and a Haas 3D vertical machining centre, enabling them to process and manufacture tooling more accurately and efficiently.

Managing Director, Chris Oscroft said: One of the most important aspects of the expansion of the tool room is the additional staff required to help us grow further. We want to further invest in the young people of this country, enhancing their skills through training and apprenticeship schemes for future manufacturing.

"Our growth demonstrates our commitment to our customers, employees and community. We have focused on developing our business skills and to cater for all their needs."

The investment in a tool manufacturing facility and the CNC equipment is just the first example of this. The future aspiration for the growth of the company is strategically aligned to meet the requirements of the manufacturing sector. With the added installation of biomass heating and solar panels, AEO are making their vision a reality ensuring their employees, customers, suppliers and the community all have a great experience.

Charles Addison, Chief Operating Officer at Made in the Midlands added: "AEO's investment signals a real return to confidence, not just for them but for manufacturing as a whole. Their continued growth, first class commitment to their customer base and the nurture of fresh talent all bodes well for the future."

The family owned business, established in 1947, has future plans to expand their facilities, enabling them to take on larger projects to position and establish them as a leading provider of press tools.

Mr Oscroft concluded: Our investment means that we can enhance our offer, providing customers with a full consultative service to assist them with the design and development of prototypes. Our involvement in the process also ensures a quality component or assembly that is fit for purpose and economical to manufacture. Our ultimate aim is to provide our customers with a one stop shop, our motto The answers yes, whats the question?

Uniting British Industry: Former Founder Member Re-Joins the Made Community

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 11/01/2023

One of Made in the Midlands original members has rejoined the community to engage with the organisation's digital offerings. The company is keen to have a 3D scan taken of their facility in Redditch as well as gaining more exposure online through the Made's high ranking domain. The firm left the group back in 2020 due to challenges brought on by the pandemic but are eager to embed themselves back into the group.

Third generation owned manufacturing company AE Oscroft (AEO) and Sons offer high quality metal stampings, welded assemblies and assemblies to a diverse range of industries. Established more than 70 years ago, the company puts their success down to their commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. With the ability to offer low to high volume prototypes, the firm can also support customers from design to production.

Having originally joined the Made in Group, including Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire, back shortly after 2009 , when the organisation was established, AEO are familiar with the group’s offerings.

Over the last couple of years, The Made in Group have continued to innovate in digital transformation in order to help bring regional manufacturing and engineering firms up to speed with the online world. This has included the development of projects such as Backing Britain, Made Futures and the introduction of regular Virtual Best Practice events. The latest developments are helping manufacturing leaders gain more insight across the industry whilst giving them the opportunity to network.

What most interested AEO to rejoin the group was the opportunity to have a digital twin created at their manufacturing facility. Created by the Made in Group, the digital twin is captured by a state of the art 3D camera - Matterport. Various scans collecting of a space or room allows the visitor to virtually explore it as if they were there. For manufacturing and engineering companies, this is a great way for them to showcase their capabilities to potential customers and promote themselves as an innovative business. Nicky Knight, HR & Facilities Director at AEO, said:

“Since we were members, Made has improved their offering massively, creating more exposure for its members such as promoting their news in weekly digests. We have noticed the increase in online presence and we would like to be part of this. AEO has an interest in moving with the times in the digital sense and we believe being part of the group will help do that.”

In recent years the Made in the Midlands domain has become first in Google for Midlands manufacturing, a major benefit for members who have a microsite connected to the domain.

The firm is looking forward to attending in person events with fellow members of the Made in Group, to network and build rapport, as well as utilising the digital side of their membership. Looking to diversify their customer base, they are also looking forward to connecting with businesses from a multitude of sectors.

Visit AEO’s microsite here: https://aeoscroft.madeinthemidlands.com/?domain=aeoscroft

Manufacturers take to the road

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 13/12/2016

My name is Nichola Knight and I have worked for A E Oscroft & Sons Ltd (AEO) for the past 30 years. As the company has grown I have had various different roles. I am currently HR and PR Manager although sometimes my roles and responsibilities often have no relevance to my title. I am often faced with last minute projects but fortunately I enjoy a challenge. My latest project was to ensure our lorry was ready for the Made in the Midlands, Christmas flotilla.

On Monday 5^th December, my MD, Chris Oscroft, asked if it would be possible to enter our 13.5T lorry in flotilla, organised by Salop Design. As the flotilla was only in three days time, I was unsure whether this could be achieved as the lorry was in use every day and it currently was not sign written.

The few days leading up to the flotilla proved to be a bit of a challenge.

Monday was spent designing the artwork and forward planning logistics around the lorry being out of action. Tuesday, Dan from the design company, requested the vehicle measurements. Unfortunately the lorry was at that present time in Wales and was not due back until later that afternoon. I thought maybe this was the end of the road but we found a way around this by taking the measurements from the vehicle plate. Although this did not give him the exact sizes it gave him something to work on.

Dan then contacted me and asked me for a colour reference for the blue of our logo, but I had no idea. He was adamant that he needed it so I contacted our stationary printers to ask them what pantone colour they used. Luckily they were able to help me. Another problem solved.

Everything seemed to be on schedule and I organised for the lorry to be cleaned and the sign writers to commence at 9.30 am Thursday morning. I knew if they started any later they would not achieve the deadline.

Late Tuesday afternoon, I then discovered the lorry would be up north the following day, and stopping overnight. I again became doubtful we would make the flotilla in time. However, after further discussions with logistics and our driver, it was arranged for the lorry to be back early Thursday morning and the driver would clean the vehicle as soon as he touched base.

Thursday morning it was raining. I received a telephone call from Dan asking if it was at all possible for the lorry to be under shelter as it would prove difficult to place the vinyls on wet curtains. I knew without asking that there was not enough adequate space in the factory, so again I became disheartened after all my effort. I explained my dilemma to our Plant and Despatch Managers who initially did not think it was possible. Between them they re-planned production and moved work around in order that we could drive the lorry inside in the dry. Another hurdle was overcome.

At 9.30am the sign writers arrived, but there was no sign of the lorry. Great, I thought, we have come so far and now the lorry is nowhere to be seen. The sign writers explained that if they didnt start the lorry within the next fifteen minutes they might not get it finished in time; it would be tight. I immediately went into logistics to find out what had happened and was informed that they had taken the lorry to Studley to get it washed and had not taken enough money with them to pay for it and they would not release the vehicle until we paid the balance. I then had to arrange for someone to jump into a car and take the money over to the lorry park. The lorry was late coming back, and there was a bit of a panic, but the sign writers worked wonders.

It was a challenge with many hurdles but we all worked together as a team and achieved our goal in the end. The lorry made it to the flotilla on time and looked good!

Our motto; `The answers yeswhats the question?

New site and additional staff marks a promising future for A.E.Oscroft

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 04/02/2013

A.E. Oscroft have over 60 years experience in the supply of quality metal pressings, assemblies and prototype projects in a wide range of materials and volumes across a number of industries. They offer a full service from initial concept prototypes, tool design and manufacture, and ultimately, to finished component production in line with ISO9001/2000, TS 16949 and ISO 14001 accreditations.

Following consistent growth over the last 5 years, AEO have recently announced the purchase of their new 53,000 sq ft production facility. The Brownfield site based less than ½ mile away from their current 18,000 sq ft premises in Redditch, will be fully operational by the end of April.

The new premises will provide a significant increase in capacity, and together with the opportunity to refocus Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities throughout the business, both current and new customers can be easily catered for.

Prior to the strategic purchase of the new premises; AEO have invested in additional managerial structure and services to ensure correct implementation of the plan. The aim is to involve current and prospective clients in the development of additional plant requirements.

AEO have already implemented a state of the art measurement facility and internal tool room/ repairs shop, increased lifting capacity and improved loading / unloading facilities at the new site.

Commenting on the benefits of the new site, Chris Oscroft, Managing Director said, “The increased capacity of our new premises enables us to consult our customers on the best ways to meet their future requirements, in order that we can align our strategies and our plant and facility to continue meeting their demands. We are already experiencing a large surge in the number of enquiries and as a result are increasing our capacity for tooling within the UK”.

AEO celebrates 70 years of Manufacturing

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 09/10/2017

A.E Oscroft & Sons Ltd is proud to be celebrating its 70^th anniversary as a third generation family business.

Since Arthur Edgar Oscroft founded the company in 1947 in his hometown of Redditch Worcestershire; AEO has grown from a small family pressings business, run from a workshop at the back of Arthurs home to a renowned automotive supplier. AEO now provide a total manufacturing solution from concept to the design of tools through to full production in a variety of market places. Their Ultimate aim is to provide their customers with a one stop shop, their motto being, The answers YesWhats the question?

The current third generation family members involved in the management of the business are Chris Oscroft (Jnr), Managing Director and Tim Oscroft, Board Director. They continue to build on the legacy and success started by their Grandfather and extended under the second generation leadership of Chris Oscroft (Snr) and Ian Oscroft. Although AEO is a family business they would not be where they are today without the dedicated effort, insight and leadership of all their non-family employees.

With the mission to provide solutions today that meet their customers requirements in the future, the company has invested heavily over the past five years both in new premises and machinery. They have been quick to adapt to changes in technology, with investments in CNC milling machines and a Wire Eroder to enhance their tool room. Their latest investment of £1.2m for a 600T Aida press line has enabled them to diversify into products with higher strength alloys and more complex components.

While the company will celebrate and acknowledge this major milestone achieved, they are also looking forward to a bright future.

Chris Oscroft, Managing Director said, Reaching our 70^th Anniversary is a huge accomplishment and one we are very proud of. We recognise that this milestone is not only due to the expertise and dedication of our staff but to the relationships we have built and maintained with our customers over the years. It is also testament to our continued investment into the company and we look forward to many more years in business.

Karen Lumley, MP, visits AEO, to recognise Growth and Investments

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 16/06/2016

With continued growth year on year, AEO in Redditch Worcestershire has made significant investments into people and machinery.

Karen Lumley MP recently visited the site to acknowledge these investments. Karen was introduced to the apprentices and graduates, and was given a guided tour of the manufacturing facility by Chris Oscroft (Managing Director). A brief insight into the new machinery was part of the tour which included their largest investment so far, of just over £1.2 million for a new Aida 630T Servo Power Press.

Karen Lumley MP said; The investment in machinery and staff is incredible and I was very impressed with what I saw.

Chris Oscroft, Managing Director said; We were delighted to welcome Karen to the factory and to have the opportunity to show her the investments we have made to continue to support the growth of the company. It was great to see the local MP genuinely interested in the progress that we have made and our plans for the future.

AEO Celebrate 70 Years Of Manufacturing

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 09/10/2017

A.E Oscroft & Sons Ltd is proud to be celebrating its 70^th anniversary as a third generation family business.

While the company will celebrate and acknowledge this major milestone achieved, they are also looking forward to a bright future.

AEO win award for Manufacturing Achievements 2016

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 31/10/2016

We were proud to recieve an award for Manufacturing Achievements 2016. Many thanks to Caveco who sponsored the award.

The awards were presented by Danielle Brown (Paralympic Archery Champion), it was a pleasure to meet such an inspirational lady.

Thank you to Made In The Midlands for another great event.

Innovation and Diversification

A.E.Oscroft & Sons Ltd — 01/09/2016

As a predominantly automotive manufacturer for many years, and with the recent growth of the company, we realised the importance of diversification. Our diversification strategy lead us to a project within the Rail industry.

A local company was producing train seat backs through a super form process.Superforming is a hot metal forming process that uses similar principles to thermoforming plastics, where a sheet of metal is heated and forced into a male or female form using gas pressure. When the metal cools, it is removed from the tool producing the finished component. This process took approximately seven to ten minutes.

We took the existing design and provided an innovative solution to omit this lengthy process. A tool was designed to press the form in one blow, cutting the overall cost of producing the part dramatically.

The answers yes..Whats the question?