SDE Technology

Salop Powder Coating Helps Again

SDE Technology — 01/05/2015

When Christopher Greenough, Director of Salop Powder Coating, heard about the great work being done by the pupils at Adams Grammar School in Newport, he was pleased to get involved and help.

The pupils have started a Life Bikes project, which is a new direction for both the school and for Design and Technology education in the UK.

The pupils are directly involved in product design, bike design, frame design and build. And also progress onto designing bike parts and accessories.

The scheme has seen the school build from scratch 21 bikes this Year and all of these have been painted at Salop Powder Coating, in an array of colours that the pupils picked.

Christopher said, This is a great way for us to get involved, and add real value into education. The pupils bikes are fantastic and its great to have been given the opportunity to help. The bright coloured frames looked great, but I believe the pupils favourite was the black gloss, as it had a real shine effect.

Salop Design Helps Again

SDE Technology — 23/04/2015

A Shropshire school has been able to link its new nature area to the classroom via wi-fi thanks to a Shrewsbury company.

St Peters CofE Primary School in Edgmond asked Salop Design and Engineering Ltd for help as part of a new project. The schools IT Manager contacted Christopher Greenough, Director at Salop Design and Engineering Ltd, after hearing the company has a history of helping local groups and projects.

Salop Design provided steel tubing which enabled network cables to be safely run underground and meant that wi-fi could be used by pupils in the area.

Headteacher, Mrs Hawkins said: We would like to thank Salop Design for its kind donation of tubing which had allowed us to run secure cabling to our new nature area. This has allowed us to include wi-fi in the project which will make a massive difference to our childrens learning experience in the area. Without their help we would have been unable to add such a valuable resource.

Christopher Greenough added: Here at Salop Design we are committed to adding value back into Shropshire, giving the chance for all pupils and youngsters to fulfil their potential.

'Salop Design & Engineering Ltd - Awards Finalist'

SDE Technology — 21/02/2014

Aeroplane boarding ramp makers, a housebuilder, a high-tech manufacturer and an LED lighting company will battle it out for the top prize in this years Shropshire Star Excellence in Business Awards.

The four finalists in the Business of the Year category of the inaugural business awards night can today be revealed as Shrewsbury construction company Saxonby, Telford-based injection moulded parts maker Proto Labs, Stafford Park LED lighting firm Digiland, and airport ramp maker Raalloy Ramps, which is based on Hortonwood in Telford.

Those four businesses will now face a tense wait for the grand awards ceremony at RAF Museum Cosford on April 3.

Entries flooded in for the new awards ceremony, leaving judges with tough decisions to make when selecting the finalists in each category.

Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: The calibre of entries to the awards was truly exceptional, we were delighted not to say extremely impressed - by the range and strength of the companies submitting nominations.

Judges will now set about visiting each of the finalists in turn, in an attempt to get a true impression of the business and ensure that the company that triumphs in each category is the very best in their area of business.

But for now, all these businesses should be very proud. To reach this stage was no mean feat, and they have all overcome some outstanding competition already.

The Excellence in Business Awards have already demonstrated the range and resilience of Shropshires thriving business community.

Judges plan to visit each of the businesses in turn during the fortnight of March 3 to 14.

Elsewhere, the manufacturing champion category will see Proto Labs compete with metal pressing and powder coating firm Salop Design and Engineering in Shrewsbury, and Sutton Maddock-based food and logistics insulation maker Seymour Manufacturing International.

In the Small Business section, Bridgnorth Print Services, Catering Centre UK in Telford, The Gift Experience in Oswestry and The Pontoon and Dock Company in High Ercall will vie for the prize.

Meanwhile, Frame Wise Ltd in Presteigne, GWR Fasteners in Oswestry, and Raalloy Ramps will compete in the Excellence in Innovation Category.

The full list of nominees hoping to be named a winner

Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Elite Precast Concrete

Frame Wise, Presteigne
GWR Fasteners, Oswestry
Raalloy Ramps, Telford

Small Business of the Year sponsored by D B Roberts

Bridgnorth Print Services, Bridgnorth
Catering Centre UK, Telford
The Gift Experience, Oswestry
The Pontoon and Dock Company, Telford

Manufacturing Champion sponsored by Lloyds Bank

Proto Labs Ltd, Telford
Salop Design & Engineering, Shrewsbury
Seymour Manufacturing International, Sutton Maddock

Excellence in Learning & Skills sponsored by Telford College of Arts & Technology

Hendra Healthcare, Ludlow
Henshalls Insurance Brokers, Newport
Whittingham Riddell, Shrewsbury

Customer Champion sponsored by Precision Colour Printing

Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants, Shrewsbury
Telford College of Arts & Technology, Wellington
The Limes, Wellington

Young Business of the Year sponsored by Greenhous

AceOn Battery Solar Technology, Telford
Bronze Software Labs, Telford
Elegant Finishing Touches, Oswestry
Pipekit, Shrewsbury

Business of the Year sponsored by the Shropshire Star

Digiland, Telford
Proto Labs, Telford
Raalloy Ramps, Telford
Saxonby, Shrewsbury

Article taken from The Shopshire Star on February 18, 2014 19:00

SDE Technology presses on with high-profile automotive appointment

SDE Technology — 08/05/2023

An experienced automotive specialist has joined a Shrewsbury-based manufacturer to guide the next stage of its expansion that will include the creation of 20 new jobs.

SDE Technology, which provides pressings and assemblies for several car makers and tier 1s, has appointed Robert Joyce as its first ever Non-Exec Advisor.

The supply chain expert has held senior roles at Rover, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover and is expected to bring his impressive decision-making skills, contact book and sector knowledge to the fast-growing business.

He is known for quickly getting to grips with issues and the headwinds of change making him an ideal leader to help SDE make the most of multi-million opportunities arising from electrification, light-weighting and new model launches.

“This is a fantastic move for us and gives us access to one of the best experts in the automotive sector,” explained Richard Homden, Managing Director of SDE Technology.

“Robert will help us achieve the ambitious growth targets we have set and will accelerate our investment plans.

He continued: “It is great to see both the vision he has for us, but also his enthusiasm for business and the way he perceives problems as merely tasks that must be overcome and ones that can indeed aid us to our end goal.

“We are looking forward to exciting times ahead and that includes a recruitment push for twenty new roles between now and 2026.”

SDE Technology is one of the largest manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK, employing more than 100 people at its modern factory on Brixton Way.

The company has overcome tough trading conditions, the pandemic, chip shortages and energy costs to secure several new opportunities in the automotive sector and is now planning on maximising its latest Hot Form Quench (HFQ®) process.

This is a revolutionary hot forming process for producing high strength aluminium parts for use in the automotive, aerospace and renewable sectors and gives designers the freedom to create parts that offer significant weight savings, yet still deliver higher structural strength.

It also delivers improved formability in six and seven thousand series alloys that cannot be formed cold. In some instances, it can also reduce the part counts from multiple components to just one.

Because HFQ lends itself to higher strength aluminium, it is ideally suited for the vehicle safety cell in the automotive sector and has also been used to develop a prototype aircraft armrest.

Richard concluded: ““HFQ® was developed by Impression Technologies (ITL), who industrialised research by Birmingham University and Imperial College London. This is a great example of British research being utilised by British manufacturing.”

He concluded: “You simply cannot form this high-strength aluminium in any other way, unless you use a Super Plastic Forming process. Even then, SPF makes one part every 15 to 20 minutes, where the cycle time for our technology is one part every 15 to 20 seconds. That is a design and manufacturing dream.”

For further information, please visit www.sde.technology or follow @sde_technology on twitter.

EU Referendum – So, we’ve voted to leave

SDE Technology — 23/06/2016

Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough has responded to the EU referendum outcome. Chris is a Director of Shropshire-based, Salop Design and Engineering and below he addresses what he believes Britain should do post-vote:

"So, the votes have been counted, and Boris Johnson and his team have triumphed in convincing enough voters to say no to Europe, and yes to Britain. What will this mean for our country over the coming months and years?

Initially, in these early days there will be very little change, but we now need to see a clear plan for the future. Boris was very clear that immigration was key to his campaign, and we will now be in control and able to check who is entering the country, and why they are coming to our shores.

It will also mean that we now have a firm economic plan, that brings back the money that we have been spending with Europe, and we can make better use of this, by spending it on our own services and unlocking potential here in our country.

There will be tough times ahead, but we can once again be a stronger country and we have taken back the control that allows us to decide our own destiny.

But, what he needs to do very quickly is unite the party, pull together and make sure that we have a united and strong leadership for the future. We can make this EU referendum decision the start of something that makes our country the world leader we know we are."

Salop Design Wins Again

SDE Technology — 23/04/2015

Last year, Salop Design & Engineering won a Shrewsbury Mayors Award for their work within the local community.

This year, they won yet another Gold Award, this time in recognition of the achievements in enhancing the economy of the area.

Director, Christopher Greenough said This is a fantastic achievement, the whole Team at Salop Design have worked tirelessly over the last twelve months, and this is a testament to the effort and enthusiasm we all have for the local area and for manufacturing within the region.

We will be going for a hat trick of Mayor's Awards next year, so watch this space for further updates.

Salop Design making the News again

SDE Technology — 15/07/2015

Catch us on BBC1 today on the 1.00pm news talking about Manufacturing, Skills and the state of the economy.

Featuring our Managing Director Richard Homden.

Honours awarded to Shrewsbury's unsung heroes

SDE Technology — 07/05/2014

Last nights annual Mayoral awards recognised those who have made an outstanding contribution to the town, from businesses to individuals. They were personally thanked by Mayor Jon Tandy.

And the event was also a chance for him to bid a fond farewell as he prepares to stand down at the end of this week.

The ceremony was an emotional night for many, as several posthumous awards were announced.Helen Ball, town clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, hosted the event and said it was important to take the opportunity to say thank you.

Several firms were awarded gold in the business category, including White 7 and the late Mr Galliers. Speaking of Mr Galliers, who was a tycoon and the inspiration behind the popular River Festival, Mrs Ball said: He could not contain the passion he had for the town of his birth and he gave so much to Shrewsbury.

Overall winner was Salop Design and Engineering. Mrs Ball said: This is a family-run firm going back to 1960. It has gone from strength to strength and never stopped striving. Nor has it lost that essence of Shrewsbury and is incredibly dedicated to the town.

To read more about the awards click here to see the full article - Thanks to The Shropshire Star for the coverage.

To find out more about Salop Design please visit our website or call us on 01743 450501.

Salop Design & Engineering Apprentice Intake 2014

SDE Technology — 02/04/2014

Salop Design is one of the UKs leading manufacturers of metal pressings for the automotive and non automotive industries.

We have long seen a need to invest in people, training, and bringing on the next generation with key skills to make sure we are ready for the years to come.

After instructing our training partners, In-Comm Training & Business Services, to seek applicants to fill a number of positions made available for apprentices. 35 applied and we invited 15 to attend interviews on our site.

They were given an introduction to the company by director, Christopher Greenough and then split into two groups for a tour of the works by shop floor manager Stewart Davis (pictured below), and cell supervisor Lee Morris.

This was followed by a general overview of the Apprentice scheme by In-Comms Malcolm Edge and Sue Fisher.

The selection process will be based on interview results, aptitude, and above all the enthusiasm that is needed to make sure the company moves forward.

We are offering the opportunity to make a solid career in a fast moving, exciting industry, with a Company that has been in existence for nearly 60 years. We'll let you know how we progress.

Students enjoy Work Experience at Salop Design & Engineering

SDE Technology — 17/07/2014

Two pupils from a Shrewsbury school are learning all about engineering during a work experience placement at Salop Design & Engineering this week. Martin Pengilley with Director Christopher Greenough and Tom Halford outside Salop Design & Engineering Ltd.

Martin Pengilley, 15, and Tom Halford, 14, are both students at Meole Brace School Science College and have joined the team to find out more about their possible future careers. Martin Pengilley said: My Dad is an engineer so following in his footsteps is always something I have been interested in. The opportunity for a weeks placement here is a real boost for helping me to decide my future career. Tom Halford added: The placement has been very interesting so far, there are so many aspects to engineering, we are being given a taster of everything that takes place here at Salop Design & Engineering.

Director Christopher Greenough said: This is a great opportunity for the students; it gives them experience of a real working environment and teaches them how to put their education to use in the engineering industry. The UK engineering industry is going to have a shortage of engineers in the next few years so we need to be looking for and helping to develop the next generation.

Mr Lumley, PSHE and Careers Coordinator at Meole Brace School said: The Work Experience programme is an important part of our KS4 curriculum and we greatly value the opportunities given to our students by local businesses and organisations. Thank you.

Salop Design & Engineering is one of the leading Manufacturers of Metal Pressings and Assemblies in the Midlands.

Our first AWARDS event of 2016

SDE Technology — 29/02/2016

Salop Design & Engineering were pleased to be part of Theo Paphitiss #SBS winners event earlier this month. They joined hundreds of other businesses in Birmingham to all celebrate winning Theos twitter competition.

Every Sunday night thousands of businesses tweet Theo, using the hashtag #SBS, and then Theo picks just six winners on a Monday. He then retweets the businesses tweet to his half a million followers. All winners also get the chance to join him at the annual winners event.

This is great exposure for any company, and best of all, it is free

Make sure you tweet Theo on Sunday night One of next weeks winners could be you.

Shrewsbury manufacturer announces investment in new equipment and jobs

SDE Technology — 30/04/2018

A Shropshire pressings specialist has announced plans to invest about £300,000 in the business and create new jobs.
Salop Design & Engineering Ltd, based in Shrewsbury, is investing in equipment for heavy gauge fabrications.

Creating six full-time roles initially, the company said a further 10 are planned in the fabrication area later this year.

To be branded as Salop Precision Fabrications, this along with its haulage company Salop Haulage Ltd, means that it now has four clear brands. The other two are Salop Design and Salop Powder Coating.

Christopher Greenough, commercial director, said: "Salop Design is actively looking to maintain and grow our market position as the one of the leading metal press workers in the UK. Only by looking at the competition, and seizing opportunities can we continue to stay ahead of the rest and thrive.

"We are investing in the business to access new sectors that will bolster our current workload, and be investments for future jobs and revenue for the region.

"This is an exciting time for UK manufacturing, and Salop Design will continue to invest, expand, and continue in a sustainable growth plan."

Salop Design Welcomes New Apprentices

SDE Technology — 25/07/2014

Over 35 applied for places at the Shrewsbury-based company which runs the apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with In-Comm Training & Business Services. From the 35 who applied for the apprenticeship scheme 15 were invited to Salop Design & Engineering for a tour and interview.

The three who made it through the interview process joined the company on Monday 7 July. Alex Owen, 17 from Shrewsbury, Alex Malam, 18, from Wem and Connor MacRae, 17, from Shrewsbury will gain invaluable on-the-job experience while achieving additional industry-respected qualifications.

Director Christopher Greenough said: Apprenticeships is a great way of training our future engineers, it gives them experience of learning skills on the job whilst gaining industry recognised qualifications at the same time.

The UK engineering industry is going to have a shortage of engineers in the next few years so we need to be developing the next generation of engineers now.

Mentoring the apprentices is John Butler who joined the company as an apprentice in October 1996. John said: Having been an apprentice it is great that I can now help future engineers learn and develop their own skills. Our new team members will be working in all areas of the company, they will gain practical experience as well as knowledge. When I joined as an apprentice I never imagined I one day would be mentoring others.

Apprentice, Alex Owen said: My Dad is an engineer, so Im following in his footsteps. Im currently working in the tool room and learning everything I can. There is a real need for accuracy in engineering and Im looking forward to putting my knowledge and skills to the test.

Alex Malam, said: My Granddad was an engineer and its an industry I have always been interested in being part of. Im really pleased to be part of the team at Salop Design and look forward to establishing my career here.

Connor MacRae added: Ive always wanted to work in engineering, my Dad is a maintenance engineer and Im currently working in the maintenance department, its great that Im learning new skills whilst gaining qualifications that will help my future career in engineering.

Salop Design & Engineering Ltd

For All Your Pressing Needs

Shrewsbury company prepares for the future with multi-million pound investment

SDE Technology — 12/12/2019

A pressings specialist based in Shrewsbury has announced the start of a multi-million pound investment in the latest lightweighting technology.

Salop Design & Engineering urges more Young People to join the Sector

SDE Technology — 23/08/2018

On GCSE Results day, Director of Shrewsbury-based Salop Design & Engineering Christopher Greenough is urging more young people to consider a career in engineering.

Salop have long been advocates of bringing through more people into the sector. In 2015, the group launched a bespoke, Engineering & Manufacturing Training Academy at their site in Shrewsbury in conjunction with their current training provider and fellow Made in the Midlands member In-Comm Training & Business Service.

The firm was also part of a consortium alongside Classic Motor Cars, Grainger & Worrall, Salop Design & Engineering and In-Comm to create the Marches Centre for Manufacturing Technology to provide a high-tech environment for young people to learn from engineering experts on the latest technology aiming to give them opportunities to apply their new found skills on real life manufacturing situations.

Christopher Greenough is driving the benefits of young people to pursue a STEM career.

He said “With the GCSE results due today, remember that exams and tests in any shape or form, are only the very start of a journey that will become a job and then a career. Everyone learns in different ways, some work best through further education, some work best through vocational training, but all have an ability that can be unlocked.”

With advanced manufacturing trends starting to arise in SME businesses as the engineering sector enters the fourth industrial revolution, Chris believe there are more opportunities than ever to work in manufacturing.

He added “Manufacturing has great opportunities for free thinking, talented people, and the sector is changing rapidly, with Industry 4.0 and the next industrial revolution heading our way. There are more varied roles within the sector than people know, and my aim is to help educate the next generation to the fantastic opportunities available. An apprenticeship route is a great way to get to know a company and its workings, and while you earn and learn, you can also end up with a loan free degree.

So whether you go on to College, University or choose an apprenticeship, have a look at manufacturing and engineering – it is a great sector to be in”.

Salop Design and Engineering is one of the leading manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK, with quality and service being synonymous with the company for over 50 years. The Salop Design family now includes Salop Powder Coating and Salop Haulage.

Salop Design and Engineering Ltd is a privately owned company, based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. All of its manufacturing activities are produced out of its modern, purpose built factory situated on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. Employing currently 100 members of staff, SDE specialise in the production of metal pressings and assemblies which are manufactured for a wide variety of market places.

SDE Technology on ‘Skills need for Manufacturing’

SDE Technology — 12/02/2021

2020 was a disruptive year for every business, emphasising the fact that businesses have never had a greater need for investment in skills and training. SDE Technology’s Christopher Greenough, Chief Commercial Officer, strongly believes in supporting jobs and skills within the sector.

“There have been many schemes and incentives rolled out by the central and Local Government, aimed at getting youngsters into work environments. But many of these schemes are aimed only at new intakes or new employees.” Christopher explained.

In regards to schemes and incentives rolled out during the 2020 pandemic, Christopher believes that they should support apprentices who have been made redundant and who need to continue with their training.

He continued:

“The current apprenticeship funding does not allow this to happen, as all apprentices must have an employer, and so the paid training given to date for these youngsters are lost.”

“The second missing piece of Government support is for training providers, both public and private. There are training providers that have serious cash flow issues due to lower learner numbers since March 2020, and without support, these training providers will fail” says Christopher.

Due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, GB Training (UK) Ltd, an independent training provider in Birmingham ceased trading. This left 70 staff without jobs and young people who could not finish their training.

He concluded: “We must continue to invest in all areas of training provision, apprenticeships and vocational learning. Without a steady flow of well-trained staff, UK manufacturing cannot grow back to levels to support our economy. And let us be clear, it is only by becoming again the movers and makers rather than bankers and counters, that our economy will thrive.”

Made Futures was created to encourage people to get jobs in manufacturing, in support of those who have lost their jobs over the course of the 2020 pandemic. There's still time to sign up and be part of the exhibition by filling in the form here.

Salop team up with In-Comm to address skills shortage

SDE Technology — 27/05/2014

With the current boom in automotive sales and with capacity requirements increasing, Salop Design and Engineering are looking towards the future by taking on apprentices.

With training partners, In-Comm Training & Business Services, Salop started earlier in the year with initial adverts, interviews and have now taken on three apprentices, all from the local area, who will start work on 21st July.

Chris Greenough, Director at Salop Design and Engineering, commented 'this is a real commitment to make sure that our skills pool is maintained for the years to come.'

The apprentices will be given a full Engineering Apprenticeship, which will see them visit all areas of the Salop Design major manufacturing site. Over 36 months, they will have regular input from In-Comm, including travelling to their state of the art training centre in Aldridge.

Salop Design and Engineering offer the opportunity to make a solid career in a fast moving, exciting industry, with a company that will support them every step of the way. For more information contact Chris Greenough on 01743 450501.

£3m manufacturing training and development centre outlines vision for bridging the Marches skills gap

SDE Technology — 08/12/2016

Over 2020 learners to be supported by new employer-led

advanced manufacturing training and development hub

Detailed plans for a new state-of-the-art training hub in Shropshire were unveiled for the first time yesterday, with the aim of supporting 2020 learners by 2020.

More than 100 local businesses and stakeholders attended the £3m Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) launch event in Bridgnorth to find out how they can play their role in helping it reverse the regions skills and competency gaps.

The MCMT, which is led by a consortium of Classic Motor Cars, Grainger & Worrall, Salop Design & Engineering and training provider In-Comm, will provide a high-tech environment for individuals to learn from engineering experts on the latest technology all geared towards giving them opportunities to apply their new found skills on real life manufacturing situations.

Supported by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, work will start on fitting out the 36,000 sq ft building on the Stanmore Industrial Estate in January, with exciting plans in place to create dedicated fabrication, foundry, lathe, metrology, milling, robotics and vehicle trimming sections, as well as a specialist CNC Zone and spray booth/mixing capabilities.

There will also be an auditorium lecture theatre, bespoke learning environments, 5 vehicle ramps and a rolling road test facility.

This is one of the most exciting developments seen in manufacturing training provision in the area for many years and yesterday gave us the perfect opportunity to communicate our vision to employers, colleges, universities and future learners, explained Matthew Snelson, Director of Grainger & Worrall and Managing Director of the Centre.

We believe the MCMT is critical to closing the skills gap for Shropshire businesses, but we are under no illusions that we will need the rest of local industry, education and training to play their part. This could be through informing how the provision develops, using the services and even offering time and expertise to help with delivering some of the learning.

He continued: There are also plenty of opportunities for businesses to sponsor different learning zones or donate equipment and machinery our learners can train on.

The Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology has received £1.9m of funding from the Marches LEP to bring the concept into reality, with £1.1m of private funding already pledged by the consortium. Additional sponsorship and business engagement will look to bring the budget to over £4m.

It will look to support 2020 learners between now and 2020 and this will largely involve developing apprentices in advanced manufacturing and engineering, giving employers a strong pool of skills to tap into as they continue to compete globally.

In addition to this, there will also be capacity to work with 400 companies on developing existing manufacturing professionals up to Level 7 qualifications, covering business improvement techniques, team leadership, vehicle body repair and paint, vehicle body building, technical development, quality and continuous improvement.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of In-Comm, added his support: We will be looking to open our doors for office based courses from April 1st and full engineering courses from August 2017. There is a lot of work ahead to equip the centre and build a pipeline of learners who want to be part of something new and exciting.

There is a lot of engagement planned with Shropshire schools and colleges to get young people thinking about engineering and manufacturing as a career and, it is important to stress, that the MCMT is open to all employers in the area.

It is the clearest sign yet of the desire to reshore training provision so that local needs are met and there is no doubt we will become an important asset when looking to attract inward investment into the Marches.

Graham Wynn OBE, Chairman of the Marches LEP, said: Plugging the skills gaps that currently exist will mean that businesses here will be able to grow and thrive. That means more investment and more jobs, which can only have a positive impact on the economic prosperity of our county.

The MCMT is one of three Advanced Manufacturing Hubs which are being funded by the Local Growth Fund via the Marches LEP and we're delighted to see this milestone reached yesterday.

For further information, please visit www.mcmt.co.uk or follow @marchescentre on twitter.

Caption for MCMT Launch (L3) photo: (l-r) Matthew Snelson (Grainger & Worrall), Christopher Greenough (Salop Design & Engineering), Bekki Phillips (In-Comm Training), Peter Neumark, Mike Roe (both Classic Motor Cars) and Gareth Jones (In-Comm Training).

Caption for MCMT Launch (L2) photo: (l-r) Matthew Snelson (Grainger & Worrall), Christopher Greenough (Salop Design & Engineering), Graham Wynn (Marches LEP), Peter Neumark (Classic Motor Cars), Bekki Phillips and Gareth Jones (both In-Comm Training).

More about the consortium partners

Classic Motor Cars

Classic Motor Cars was founded in 1993 and has built a reputation for car restoration to world-class standards.

Staffed by a highly experienced team of engineers and technicians, it operates from modern purpose built premises in Bridgnorth.

Some 50 to 60 cars from varied marques, such as Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bugatti, and Lancia, can be found in the workshops every month for general servicing, upgrades, accident repairs, repaints, full restorations and other services.

Grainger & Worrall

Founded in 1946, Grainger & Worrall is the worlds leading total castings solutions provider. The company provides an unrivalled production capability, delivering groundbreaking industry solutions for leading companies, including Bentley, Porsche and Aston Martin.

Working across the automotive, commercial vehicle, motorsport, aerospace and defence sectors, Grainger & Worrall continues to lead the way in technical excellence, renowned worldwide for exceptional quality, service and exceptional innovation.

The firm, which exports 55% of its products overseas, employs 600 people in Bridgnorth and boasts an annual turnover of approximately £50m.

In-Comm Training and Business Services has been offering industry and commerce a wide range of training and business solutions for 34 years.

The Aldridge-based firm has invested more than £700,000 into extending its Black Country and Shrewsbury academies in the last year and will now be able to offer apprenticeships for more than 100 young people annuallya 60% increase on 2016 intake.

The long-term vision is to grow the business to £4.2m by 2020, increasing the workforce to 60 staff across a number of Training Academies in the Midlands.

Established nearly 50 years ago, Salop Design & Engineering Ltd is one of the leading metal pressing and assembly providers in the UK.

The company is based in a 60,000 sq ft facility in Shrewsbury, offering a global client base access to mechanical, progression, hydraulic and transfer presses, up to 1000 tonne.

Recent investment has seen the installation of two state-of-the-art powder coating lines and the launch of its own haulage firm, all designed to increase its ability to provide a one-stop shop for pressing and coating needs.

Salop Design & Engineering is accredited to TS16949 quality standards ensuring it offers world class quality, cost and delivery performance to customers in automotive and beyond.

About the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership

· The Local Enterprise Partnership area contributes £12.3bn to the national economy, covers an area of 2,300 sq miles, has a population of 666,700 and is home to more than 29,800 businesses.

· Bordered by the West Midlands Conurbation to the east and Wales to the west, its key centres of population and employment are the towns of Hereford, Shrewsbury and Telford. A network of 25 smaller market towns and a large rural area make up the rest of the settlement mix.

· The area boasts some high profile businesses including M?ller Dairy UK, Doncasters Aerospace, Denso, Capgemini, Ricoh, Cargill, Heineken, Grocontinental, McConnels, Kerry Ingredients, Special Metals, Kingspan and Makita and is a hot spot for home working, the environmental technologies, care sector, creative industries, manufacturing and tourism.

· Assets like Harper Adams University and its Regional Food Academy, the University of Wolverhampton campus and e-innovation centre at Priorslee, and the Polymer Research Centre in Telford, the Food Enterprise Centre and Environmental Technology Centre at Shrewsbury and the cathedral city of Hereford are all drivers of the local economy.

· The LEP area is home to some iconic places of interest. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the Shropshire Hills and the Wye Valley Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Offas Dyke, the rivers Severn and Wye, and places of national renown including Ludlow and Ross-on-Wye make it a highly popular place to both visit and relocate to.

· The Marches LEP secured £3m from the Governments Local Growth Fund for investment in training facilities to increase the level of skills in the workforce and the take-up of apprenticeships.

Mind the Gap – Three is the magic number……

SDE Technology — 11/01/2016

Christopher Greenough, director of Salop Design & Engineering, explains why three could be the magic number when it comes to tackling the skills gap.

With the newfound resurgence in apprenticeships and the introduction of the Governments levy, there appears to be real momentum building for helping manufacturers to address the skills shortage.

However, the future isnt all rosy and there is a problem lurking on the horizon, which, if we do not address and tackle decisively, has the potential to hold back the UK economy as it jockeys for its place as an international force.

Its not really a new issue either. We have long suffered from a lack of serious investment in training for our young people, not helped admittedly by serious economic pressures that made management teams batten down the hatches and spend all their money on simply surviving.

Even when times were good, there was an imbalance between knowing you should be training your people, and investing in the next generation of engineers and making sure the programmes you put in place delivered these objectives.

And dont get me started on the way apprenticeships have fallen behind Further and Higher Education in the pecking order of options for young people.

The blame lies far and wide and isnt down to one group, not even the Government who tend to be the proverbial whipping boys. All of us starting to take responsibility is exactly how we can begin to bridge the skills gap.

So in my view, three is no longer a crowd. Let me explain

First of all, we need industry to continue to innovate; grow; create jobs, and continue this desire to invest in generating staff, now and in the future.

This will create the demand and, hopefully, position industry as a viable career.

Next, we need our schools and colleges to talk about manufacturing as a fantastic opportunity and spend time getting to know what 21st century engineering actually looks like; not to mention the simple fact you can use an apprenticeship as a route to University!

Teachers are vital for sowing the early seeds into pupils looking to set out on their career pathit goes without saying they also need to give them solid English, Maths and Science skills.

Finally, the missing linkTraining Providers. Not often discussed, but absolutely critical in the winning formula we need to create.

Theres plenty out there, all professing to offer bespoke, specialist courses that meet your exact requirements. Unfortunately, and Im sure were not on our own here, our experience has been somewhat different.

Many tend to invest in expensive equipment and plush training facilities, with view to creating the impression that they know what theyre doing.

However, few actually employ the right trainers, who have the manufacturing experience and, importantly, the ability to pass their knowledge and skills on to young people.

As manufacturers, we also need to push training providers to be fully accountable to their clients and this visible accountability will ensure the Apprenticeship Levy isnt just another buzz initiative that lines the pockets of the wrong people, while failing the companies its been designed to help.

Weve been one of the fortunate manufacturers that have managed to find a training provider that is right for our business.

In-Comm Training in Aldridge has been working with us for many years and has become more of a strategic partner, so much so that we actually embarked on a new venture with the firm last year.

This involved the creation of ITAS (In-Comm Training Academy Shrewsbury), a new dedicated facility that can cater for up to 60 apprentices every year.

It partly addresses a major lack of provision in Shropshire and, while its housed on our site in Brixton Way and represents a sizeable investment from us, is open to all employers keen on giving their young people (and indeed existing workers) the best possible development opportunities.

Were practicing what we preach and have already entertained and visited a number of local schools and colleges to showcase what the academy has to offer and how pupils can get involved.

Banging the drum for apprenticeships

While were putting the successful formula into place, the whole of industry still has a role to play in promoting the benefits of becoming an apprentice.

Its still the best way for enthusiastic youngsters to get into the sector, as they receive the chance to start their career by getting to know the company they are working for while getting paid at the same timelearning and earning, you could say.

There are also numerous stories of how individuals have gone from being apprentices to senior management and, in some cases, even running companies.

They make great ambassadors and role models that will definitely enthuse the next generation.

So in summary, the vision is clearmanufacturers working closely with training providers, and both of them building links with schools that are keen to engage.

Three does indeed appear to be the magic number if we are going to make the industrys skills gap disappear.

‘Director Takes Leap Of Faith’

SDE Technology — 20/03/2014

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to abseil down a historic medieval church tower?

Chris Greenough director at Salop Design & Engineering Ltd is doing just that in a sponsored Abseil to help protect historic churches on Saturday 29th March.

Visit http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/overthetop/ to find out more.

Salop Powder Coating say “It’s a YES from me”

SDE Technology — 21/05/2015

If you want to visit an exhibition that has drive, enthusiasm and passion, then the Made in the Midlands Expo is the one for you, said Salop Powder Coating Director, Christopher Greenough.

From the moment we set up our stand, we were inundated with visitors and enquiries. Yes, manufacturing is seeing a resurgence in the UK at the moment, but from what I have seen this Expo is succeeding more due to the calibre of both the exhibitors and the visitors. The MIM Team have done a fantastic job hosting the event, the venue was much improved, the stands themselves improved and this has led to the Expo having a really slick, professional character everyone I have spoken to since the event agree it was the best to date.

I have thrown myself into MIM, and for every member I would urge you to get involved and come along, or even exhibit at the next Expo - as it really can make a difference to your business.

‘European first’ for SDE Technology as it targets £multi-million of new lightweight opportunities

SDE Technology — 28/02/2020

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of pressings and assemblies has signalled its intentions to be a world leader in lightweight components by investing in a new process.

SDE Technology, which prior to the recent rebrand was known as Salop Design and Engineering, is the first company in Europe to hold a production licence for Hot Form Quench (HFQ®), a revolutionary hot forming process for producing high strength aluminium parts for use in the automotive, aerospace and renewable sectors.

This new technology gives designers the freedom to create parts that offer significant weight savings, yet still deliver higher structural strength, with improved formability in six and seven thousand series alloys, that cannot be formed cold. In some instances, it can also reduce the part counts from multiple components to just one.

Because HFQ lends itself to higher strength aluminium, it is ideally suited for the vehicle safety cell in the automotive sector and has also been used to develop a prototype aircraft armrest.

The initial investment of £1 million in 2019 enables the laser profiling of HFQ blanks, with a £multi-million investment scheduled to be in place at its Shrewsbury facility over the next eighteen months.

“This is a real gamechanger for our business and industry as a whole - thanks to HFQ® we can now offer new and existing customers a lightweight solution for making complex parts in one pressing, reducing weight, time to manufacture and cost in the process,” explained Richard Homden, CEO of SDE Technology.

“HFQ® was developed by Impression Technologies (ITL), who industrialised research by Birmingham University and Imperial College London. This is a great example of British research being utilised by British manufacturing.”

He continued: “You simply cannot form this high-strength aluminium in any other way, unless you use a Super Plastic Forming process. Even then, SPF makes one part every 15 to 20 minutes, where the cycle time for our technology is one part every 15 to 20 seconds. That is a design and manufacturing dream.

“This is the start of an ambitious growth and investment strategy that positions us as the first production intent company for this process in Europe.”

SDE Technology is currently in talks with a number of OEMs about the Hot Form Quench offer.

Initial feedback from clients point to the fact you can exchange steel parts for aluminium and achieve part integration and less weight as the key drivers for adoption. The fact you can also remove reinforcements and replace extrusions and castings with HFQ® pressings are other big wins.

Christopher Greenough, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As a company, we are focused firmly on how we can deliver lightweight manufacturing solutions that can help solve a lot of industry’s current and future requirements.

“The Government is obviously pushing hard for electrification and this is something that our technology can assist with and we believe this will be a big driver in helping quadruple our turnover over the next 5 years.”

Mark White, a leading technical specialist in lightweight vehicle structures, added his support: “I have been actively involved in the trend for lightweighting and, now that the Government’s push to EV is accelerating, it is more important than ever to find innovative ways to enable it to become the design norm.

“SDE Technology is leading the way with its HFQ licence and will provide the production route for OEMs to access this exciting process.”

Christopher concluded: “We are looking to be at the forefront of the emerging EV and lightweighting markets, whether it is through HFQ or other innovative processes for joining different materials, battery technology and surface coating.”

For further information, please visit www.sde.technology or follow @sde_technology on twitter.

Salop Powder Coating Welcomes Shropshire Business News

SDE Technology — 28/09/2015

New training academy opens with promise of boosting Shropshires manufacturing skills

A new £300,000 training academy has been officially opened in Shrewsbury today to boost the Countys ability to develop the engineers of the future.

In-Comm has joined forces with metal pressing and assembly specialist Salop Design & Engineering Ltd to create the 10,000 sq ft facility, which will support up to 60 apprentices every year and provide a host of specialist training opportunities for local employers.

The project has taken just two months to build at Salops Brixton Way factory, with the dedicated space now equipped with modern lathes, milling centres, surface grinders, welding bays and state-of-the-art teaching areas.

A new 10-seat CAD training room was also unveiled and announced as The Dickie Homden Design Suite, in honour of the founder of Salop Design and Engineering.

Shropshire is crying out for more dedicated industry-led provision in order to support its resurgent manufacturing basewere hoping our Academy will start to address this skills gap, explained Gareth Jones, Managing Director of In-Comm Training & Business Services.

Our relationship with Salop Design dates back more than forty years, which in that time we have helped developed apprentices and worked together on promoting UK manufacturing to young people.

He continued: We knew we wanted to establish a presence in Shropshire and the management at Salop said they would be happy to dedicate some space inside their factory to make it happen.

Together, we have created a world class training facility that combines expert teaching, access to new machinery/design capabilities and the opportunity for apprentices to witness theory being applied on live manufacturing projects.

In-Comm Training Academy Shrewsbury (ITAS) will provide Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships to 16-24 year-olds looking to carve careers in fabrication and welding, maintenance, production, quality, toolmaking and precision engineering.

Initially, there will be around 60 industrial places available, with plans already in place to increase this figure to 100 by 2018.

At the same time, ITAS is also looking to offer apprenticeships in administration, customer service and business management.

Gareth continued: Interest in what we are offering has been huge, with eight employers already signed up to train their young people at our Academy. This includes Mail Solutions and Bill Carr Precision Engineering.

However, developing young people is just one aspect of what we do. Were also going to be offering companies the chance to tap into training on continuous improvement, quality, technical development and safety.

Going forward we want to create a Shropshire Industrial Partnership, where local employers can shape the type of training we provide. Theres no point trying to second guess what our manufacturers want, lets get them on board and hear exactly what support they would like.

Christopher Greenough, Director at Salop Design and Engineering, added his support:

We have always been committed to enhancing the learning experience of our own staff and the pace we are expanding means there is now an even greater need to be able to bring new people through to bolster our current workforce and help us achieve even more.

Having the Academy on our doorstep means our apprentices arent travelling 50 miles to get the learning they require, whilst we have easy access to fantastic training facilities that other members of our staff can use.

Importantly, we are doing our bit to help UK manufacturing bridge the skills gap. Apprenticeships are a key part of this learning while earning.

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski was given the honour of officially opening the In-Coming Training Academy Shrewsbury in front of 70 people today.

He was given a guided tour of the facility and also chatted to the trainers delivering the courses and some of the first apprentices due to start next week.

It is always encouraging to hear that businesses themselves are looking at innovative ways of training the next generation, added Daniel Kawczynski.

He concluded: I have known about Salop Design & Engineering for many years, as it has been at the forefront of manufacturing in the UK and a key local employer for constituents.

With the current revival of engineering and manufacturing, the firm has recognised the value of high quality training schemes which are instrumental in plugging the skills gap. I am truly confident that the In-Comm Training Academy in Shrewsbury will be a success.

For further information, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk or www.salopdesign.co.uk of follow @incomm_training/@salopdesign on twitter.

£2m press investment for SDE Technology

SDE Technology — 12/06/2023

A Shropshire-based pressings and assemblies specialist has invested more than £2m in acquiring its largest ever progression press.

SDE Technology has installed the impressive 1000-tonne Chin Fong press and coil handling line at its Brixton Way factory in Shrewsbury, an installation that will allow larger die usage and help create larger products for use in the automotive sector.

The press, which has a bed size of 4.5metres x 1.8metres, has capacity for over £2m of new revenue, with the management team already in discussions with larger OEMs and tier 1s looking for security of supply and opportunities to de-risk the supply chain.

Eight new jobs have been created and tens safeguarded because of the investment.

“This is our largest ever progression press and one of the largest in the UK automotive supply chain,” explained Richard Homden, Managing Director of SDE Technology.

“It is a fantastic time to invest in this new capability. Yes, there are current headwinds, but for the bold there are also opportunities, with lots of reshoring, electrification and carbon reduction projects currently being discussed.

“The £2m investment will be a game-changer for our business and the West Midlands as a whole.”

SDE Technology is one of the largest manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK, employing more than 130 people across its core production business and at Salop Haulage Ltd.

This is a revolutionary hot forming process for producing high strength aluminium parts for use in the automotive, aerospace, and renewable sectors and gives designers the freedom to create parts that offer significant weight savings, yet still deliver higher structural strength.

It also delivers improved formability in six and seven thousand series alloys that cannot be formed cold. In some instances, it can also reduce the part counts from multiple components to just one.

Chris Greenough, Commercial Director at SDE Technology, concluded: “The Chin Fong investment comes off the back of two earlier press installations, offering 100 and 200-tonne capabilities.

“These have been put in initially to deliver pressings for the white goods industry, but they could also be used to support other tooling projects going forward.”

For further information, please visit www.sde.technology or follow @sde_technology on twitter.

Salop Apprentice wins National Award

SDE Technology — 27/07/2018

Salop Design & Engineering apprentice Alex Malam has been named the July winner of the UK Manufacturing Apprentice.

Alex was shown to be a fantastic role model to other apprentices and deservedly picked up the £100 Amazon Vouchers as a reward.

After studying A Levels at his local school, he decided to to train to be an engineer as he was not engaged or enthused by his current education. Since changing to the vocational route, he has not looked back. Alex now helps promote the apprenticeship scheme for Salop Design by joining the team at shows and schools careers events.

After accepting the prize, Alex said: ‘I am happy to have won this award and would like to thank my peers at Salop Design for their mentoring over the years. I really enjoy working at Salop as every day is different and there are new challenges and problems to be solved. I am looking forward to what the future has to offer’.

Alex was nominated for the award by Commercial Director, Chris Greenough, who said of the award “We are thrilled that Alex has won this month’s prize, it is very well deserved, as he has shown enthusiasm and hard work over his time with us. He is now working on projects and will continue to learn and use his skills. Alex is a practical thinker, a pleasant young man, and a real star for the future.”

Salop Design is committed to investing in training and helping close the skills gap, not just within their company, but to the wider region. The company have helped bring together a world class training facility in Bridgnorth, The Marches Centre for Manufacturing & Technology, that has built on the foundation work done at our training centre in Shrewsbury.

The MCMT will train the next generation of engineers to allow businesses to grow and invest. This will lead to talented individuals, like Alex, having somewhere exciting to work and somewhere that will offer not just jobs, but long-term careers’.

The national apprentice competition has been launched to find and recognise the very best apprentices currently working within the UK manufacturing industry. The initiative has been set up AMI, a web design & marketing agency that specialises in supporting UK manufacturing companies.

Entries are open for August’s award, to find out how enter your star apprentices, please email competition@amiweb.co.uk or visit www.amiweb.co.uk/ami-uk-manufacturing-apprentice-2018

Salop celebrate 50th anniversary with members

SDE Technology — 23/01/2017

The first Made in the Midlands breakfast event of the year took place at Salop Design and Engineering, who were celebrating their historic 50th anniversary as a Limited company.

Salop Design and Engineering is one of the leading manufacturers of pressings and assemblies in the UK. Their site makes use of 24 mechanical / progression / transfer / hydraulic presses ranging from 110 tonne to 630 tonne. This enables them to cover an extensive range of tonnages and capacities including both manual and fully automated robotic transfer systems.

Made in the Midlands President and Commercial Director of Salop Design, Christopher Greenough stated: We have had 50 fantastic years as a limited company. This is something to truly shout about, and to share this with members, sponsors and patrons is a great way to start the celebrations.

Over 85 members registered for Salop Designs breakfast event, which comfortably eclipsed the 2015 breakfast event they hosted. The growth in attendee numbers bares a great reflection on the increased popularity of the Made in the Midlands membership group. Additionally, the figures reflect the brilliant ambassadorial work of Christopher during his time as President.

It's all go @salopdesign for their breakfast morning @madeinthemids #ukmfg pic.twitter.com/5nzTUXORtt
Petford Group Ltd (@PetfordGroupLtd) January 19, 2017

Many thanks to @salopdesign for this mornings @madeinthemids breakfast event. Great facility and like how your reinvesting in engineering!!
RSD Pressings Ltd (@RSDPress_Ltd) January 19, 2017

Made in the Midlands Breakfast Networking events provide members with a fantastic opportunity to attend a local manufacturing company to network and discuss future business. Christopher added: Networking, connecting and talking is the very best way to grow your business. We need to collaborate, keep work and revenue in our region. This is the real ethos behind Made in the Midlands.

Located on site with Salop Design, Salop Powder Coating has an expert powder coating team and a new bespoke paint line to satisfy all coating needs in the Midlands and across the UK. The versatility of the Salop brand has supported their journey to 50 years as Christopher concluded: We pride ourselves on a level of service, quality and a commitment to our customers, and this is why we continue to grow and thrive. We will continue to invest in our site, workforce and support the UK supply chain.

Please visit our Events page to ensure that you dont miss any of our upcoming Breakfast Networking Events. Our next event with available tickets will be hosted by O.L.D. Engineering in Hinckley, Leicestershire on Thursday 2nd February. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast event of your own, please contact our Group Events Manager Iwona at: iwona@firstorchard.com

My Debut Appearance on MiM TV

SDE Technology — 21/10/2016

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of appearing on the new Made in the Midlands TV you tube channel (#MiMTV).

This new launch into media, is to help promote members and further publicise the great work being done here in the Midlands.

Many of you know I have a face for radio, but when I see an opportunity to talk about the Midlands and the future of UK manufacturing, I take the time to get involved.

During the interview with Jason Pitt, we discussed Brexit, manufacturing and apprenticeships all things, that luckily, I have strong views on.

Even the Salop Powder Coating truck gets a mention.

I have enjoyed my time as MiM President of Council, the membership is growing and there are new ways to make the most of your membership.

If you would like to appear on #MiMTV just contact the MiM team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibgh5_tUNrk

The Manufacturer Top 100

SDE Technology — 08/11/2016

Christopher Greenough spends his days as Commercial Director of Salop Design & Engineering, a metal pressings and assemblies manufacturer based in Shrewsbury, quoting work, liaising with Customers and making sure the company is at the forefront of the sector.

He has pushed himself to further the name of the company and has spent the last few years, through his role at Salop Design making sure everyone knows the capabilities they have. He has also taken on roles with the Made in the Midlands peer group and the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, to further promote the region and the manufacturing sector.

As an advocate for manufacturing, he has now been recognised by the publication The Manufacturer, in their TOP100 influential individuals in the sector for 2016. In fact, he was given the highly sought Exemplar status, reserved for the top twenty individuals. A testament to the work he has put in through all his roles, and his enthusiasm for the sector and region.

The judges saw Greenough as a driver of cultural change, through his promotion of manufacturing as a career choice, and the work he has involved himself in on pushing the apprenticeship route for the next generation of engineers.

Greenough said of the award, This is not just recognition for my work, but really for the forward and outward looking approach of Salop Design, we are not only willing to invest in our site, we are investing in the future of skills provision for the region. Manufacturing is an exciting and fulfilling career choice, and we need to further promote this to schools and colleges.

The Government has asked for business to take the lead, well here at Salop Design we have. We are a manufacturer, working with a training provider, and taking the apprenticeship message into schools. We have a blueprint for future skills provision that will work to close the skills gap, and help manufacturing continue to boost the UK economy.

Brexit Result – What Next?

SDE Technology — 28/06/2016

Made in the Midlands President, Christopher Greenough has now responded to the immediate aftermath of the Brexit result. Chris is a Director of Shropshire-based, Salop Design and Engineering and below he addresses what he believes Britain should do next.

"So the country has decided, or at least the majority of the country has and we are to leave Europe and find our own way.

In just a few days, there has been a whole host of differing opinions on the actual vote and how the result will affect the UK in both the short and long-term.

Personally, I voted to stay in Europe, but it wasnt to be and the emphasis has switched to how we make the best of it. I will look to explore opportunities and make sure that we put I put all my efforts into pushing the fact that we are to leave, and that it will not be the end of the world. It may, however, be the end of the Europe project.

I will not participate or sign the petition to have another referendum, the decision has been taken and we all need to pull together and make this work. We cannot look to another referendum, as this may lead to even more fracturing within the country.

We have already seen the Prime Minister deciding to stand down and it looks as if the opposition party is in meltdown.

We need to be very clear, we have voted to leave the EU, but we now need to work together and make sure that Government and politics in the UK do not self-destruct.

We need a clear and strong leader for this country to make our exit a success, we need to be strong when looking for trade deals and not turn our back on the largest, closest market just over the channel. Who the leader should be is a question for the next debate; there is one contender currently, but I would like to see further members of Parliament put themselves forward so we have a choice.

There will be changes, there may indeed be tough times ahead, but we can look to a bright future. And, if we all pull together, rather than dwell on the result and what happened, then we can continue to see manufacturing and business in this country succeed."

Our second AWARDS event of 2016

SDE Technology — 29/02/2016

We were finalists in the Apprenticeships 4 England Awards, Thursday night in London with Lindsay McCurdy of Apps 4 England, and her Team. It was a fantastic evening, and we were thrilled to win highly commended in our category of Employer with 25 to 100 staff.

And with us, our friends In-Comm Training & Business Services who scooped GOLD in their category of Training provider with up to 250 learners - well done Gareth Jones and Team.

With all businesses in the region putting the skills gap as one of the main factors in stopping their business growth, then it has to come down to a continuing commitment from MiM members to promote and endorse upskilling and apprenticeships we are pleased to be part of this great work, and we will continue to take the apprenticeship message to the young to make sure we have the engineers of the future.

We are working with a great training provider, and have linked up with local schools to make sure that the teachers and the children are fully informed on the choices available.

Salop announces bid to create 60 apprenticeships

SDE Technology — 05/11/2015

Salop Design and Engineering Ltd have announced their desire to provide 60 apprentices with an opportunity to hone their craft inside their brand new facility in partnership with In Comm Training Services Ltd.

The new training academy opened two weeks ago and will take on apprentices from any Shropshire business. Salop Design have invested £300,000 into the facility as a huge statement for the manufacturing industry across the UK.

Salops Director, Christopher Greenough revealed: Weve got eight apprentices signed up and were aiming to get another 20 signed up in February. By next October, were hoping to have 60 apprentices a year running through our training academy.

This pledge to the local community is another huge building block for Salops relationship with local secondary schools and colleges. Although, Christopher stated: I think it needs to start at primary school level and get them in here early. We had cub scouts in here recently and they actually sprayed their own coaster and got a tour around the factory before watching their coaster come out of the drying oven.

Salops will introduce young people to engineering is based on their desire to provide people with the opportunity to work their way up within an engineering company. One of Salops directors Lee Pearson provides a glowing example, as Christopher explained: Pearson started his apprenticeship many years ago and has worked his way up from an apprentice in different companies to a director of a company now.

Apprenticeships provide young people with an opportunity to establish themselves within the work force of a company. Usually, apprentices that are provided with an opportunity to succeed and flourish remain loyal to the company that has taken them on. This is a key point, as the engineering and manufacturing sectors are synonymous with an ageing workforce.

Salops stunning facility provides the chance for thirty apprentices to be taught the basics at one time under the guidance of a teacher. As the training facility is so new, Salop intend on first becoming a reputable leader in apprenticeships in Shropshire, as Christopher concluded: Weve got to start interacting with colleges and get them switched onto the fact that there are careers out there in manufacturing and engineering. If you want apprentices to gather the key skills in an engineering apprenticeship then our new centre is what you need.

MIM member features on Midlands Today

SDE Technology — 25/02/2014

Salop Design had a visit from the BBC earlier today. They were following the MPs debate on reinstating the direct rail link between Shrewsbury and London and wanted to speak to companies about the issue.

MD Richard Homden said: "As a large employer in Shrewsbury we would benefit from this link."

Reporter Joanne Writtle interviewed Richard along with Harjinder Kaur and Lee Morris - both Team Leaders on the shop floor.

The piece will go to air tonight (Tuesday) on Midlands Today on BBC1 at 6.30pm.

Salop Design leading the way…….

SDE Technology — 27/01/2016

Mirroring the latest factory tours ideas from JLR, where the members of Cannock Chase Probus Club were one of the first outside groups to go on a behind the scenes tour of the £500 million JLR Engine Manufacturing Centre off the M54 at the i54 site, near Wolverhampton - Made in the Midlands members, Salop Design & Engineering Ltd, were running their very own mission to engage with outside groups.

Its always busy at the Shrewsbury manufacturing site, but it was even busier yesterday, as they had a group visit from the local Rotary Club. They were greeted by the Commercial Director, Christopher Greenough, who talked them through the history of Salop Design and the vision for the future of the company.

They engaged in a question and answer session, that involved such topics as training, apprenticeships, the state of the UK economy and even the Europe In / Out debate.

They were then treated to a tour of the facilities, the metal pressings side, the powder coating lines and the new training centre.

Christopher said, This is a fantastic way for us to interact with the local community, and we need to see more companies opening their doors and promoting the great businesses we have here in the Shropshire.

There was such enthusiasm today, and the Q&A was really interesting, being able to talk about key matters affecting Shropshire business.

Shrewsbury engineering firm open their doors to schools and colleges

SDE Technology — 16/12/2014

Christopher Greenough, Director of Shrewsbury-based Salop Design and Engineering, one of the UKs leading engineering firms specialising in pressings, assembling and coating, has long been a believer of giving back to the community.

Im always trying to make links with the local community, Christopher said "I've been searching for ways to work with the companies and institutions in the area to strengthen our current relationships and build new ones."

A few years back Salop Design saw that their local college, Meole Brace Science College, was hosting a summer fair where local businesses could go and exhibit, allowing children and young people to gain an insight into the nature of local employment and a taster of the working world. Speaking to one of the teachers, Christopher suggested that the students should visit the Salop factory nearby to show them the premises, equipment and engage them with manufacturing as a future career choice.

The only thing with getting kids into a factory is that you need to explain how it would be of educational value to the school, Christopher explained.

With education facing an increasing amount of cuts as the country works to eradicate its deficit by 2017/18, schools are wary of spending time and money on excursions for children without there being a quantifiable benefit for their grades.

Christopher says this is just one of the things we and the teachers have to battle with, but earlier this July after hearing his idea, the science college agreed to have a trip to the Salop factory.

Staff at Salop gave the children a short induction, followed by a tour of the premises with some time taken to perform a number of practical activities working with the machines.

Youve got to put a spin on it to actually get kids interested - Theres no point just bringing them in and showing them round the press shop and saying its a noisy environment, would you like to work here? because the first thing theyll say is no." Christopher recalls "What you have to do is show them that what theyre learning at school can actually be applied to a job in manufacturing

Students were then given a piece of paper and laser cut shapes into the paper to find out how much material would be needed for pressing, as well as some basic maths the staff at Salop worked with scrap material to keep the kids engaged.

Due to the positive reception of this initial visit, Meole Brace Science College have agreed to send top maths students over for a few days to spend time in Salop's quality department to look at measurement reports and gain a better handle on how they can apply their school subjects to manufacturing and the world of work.

Despite the initial success of the college visits, Christopher and the team at Salop remain ever vigilant for opportunities to get involved in local activities.

Following this, Salop have forged a strong relationship with the 1st Wem Cub Scouts, also in Shropshire, and had scouts greeted by Councillor Jon Tandy before escorting them and their family members around the factory to look at different metal pressings and coatings.
Cubs were even encouraged to make and bring home their own mementos in the forms of scout badges embroidered with the Salpo logo.

Salop additionally invited young people form the Shropshire Youth Health Champions, a group of young people ages 11-25 working to make improve communities, to lend assistance in their current project of brightening up the newly opened Ward at the Telford Hospital.
The group were given a site tour, and then had a brainstorming session with the Salop team to finalise designs and ideas. Salop then fabricated the products and painted them ready for display at the Hospital.

It is evident with the high level of cooperation with the local youth, that Christopher and the rest of Salop are heavily invested in the future of their community and also the industry.

I see a skills gap, Christopher said, with manufacturing on the up and with the industry already growing, there are going to be large vacancies for skilled manufacturers in coming years."

Salop understand this and have recently taken on 3 apprentices with the vision of training them up to be fully fledged members of the team upon completion of their apprenticeships.

Eyes fixed on the ahead, Christopher thinks the industry needs to consider, with a shortage of skilled workers already emerging, what do we do 5-10 years time? How do we get these kids into engineering?

Christopher and the Salop team are aiming to not only strengthen connections with the local community but also to prepare them and themselves for the continued growth and success that manufacturing and engineering are to enjoy in the coming years.
To them, its about giving back to those around you and showing the new generation what an exciting career engineering is and will be as they surge on ahead into 2015.

Joined Up Thinking……….

SDE Technology — 09/02/2016

Manufacturers should actively seek to form partnerships that close skills gaps rather than waiting for the government to intervene, according to Salop Design & Engineering commercial director Christopher Greenough.

A more joined up approach is the key to the industry helping itself, with engagement starting as early as primary school, according to Greenough, who is also president of Made in the Midlands.

We need our schools and colleges to talk about manufacturing as a fantastic opportunity and spend time getting to know what 21st century engineering actually looks like, he said.

Teachers are vital for sowing the early seeds into the minds of pupils looking to set out on their career path.

The engagement with education providers should be continued throughout school age and onto those who offer vocational training, according to Greenough.

He sees honest and open professional relationships with training providers as crucial. He believes that this will ensure the governments Apprenticeship Levy, to be introduced in April 2017, will work for both parties.

As manufacturers, we need to push training providers to be fully accountable to their clients and this visible accountability will ensure the Apprenticeship Levy is not just another buzz initiative that lines the pockets of the wrong people whilst failing the companies it has been designed to help, he added.

- See more at: http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/People/news/manufacturing-skills-gap/115072#sthash.alEA8Gm5.dpuf

Salop Design & Engineering Ltd – AWARD WINNING

SDE Technology — 01/07/2015

Salop Design were thrilled to win the Shropshire Chamber business award for Manufacturing Excellence.

Director, Christopher Greenough said The awards evening on Friday night was fantastic, and being the biggest business awards outside London, with around 650 people attending, are a real tribute to Shropshire and the focus on the fantastic businesses we have here.

This award is not just about the great processes and product we have, but a real commendation to the team and all our employees. It is only with the ongoing commitment of the workforce that we can achieve the plan we have set out.

It is a real honour to receive this award and we look forward to another fantastic year in Midlands manufacturing.

Salop Design Supporting NAW2016

SDE Technology — 14/03/2016

We are a tier 2 metal pressing and assemblys manufacturer based in Shrewsbury. We have been in business in Shrewsbury for 50 years.

We have seen dramatic growth in our sector over the last 12 to 18 months, and now see, as all businesses is Shropshire do, that the skills gap is the biggest factor stopping our business from growing. National Apprenticeship Week is aimed at helping close the skills gap.

At Salop Design we are committed to raising awareness of apprenticeships, we are working with local schools to show that a vocational learning route is as important, and indeed more beneficial to some youngsters, than staying on at school to take further exam courses.

But, it is important to say, that the apprenticeship route can actually be the start of a path to a degree. So it is not that an apprenticeship is a way out of learning, indeed it can be the start of life long learning.

Mirroring the theme from the Government, we see a real need in Shropshire, for business to work with training providers, and to that end we have teamed up with In-Comm Training to provide bespoke, engineering apprenticeships from our site. This is our commitment to help ensure all Shropshire businesses have access to the training they need.

Apprenticeships are truly the very best way to get young people into your business, the apprentice not only gets the chance to earn and learn, but they also get to know your business; the machines, the people and more importantly the way you want them to be involved in your business.

You have the chance, as an employer, to work with and help shape the apprentice, so you both get value from the working relationship. You are investing in the future of the apprentice, and also the future of your company.

We have taken on, over the last two years, a total of 5 apprentices they all have a different skill set, and different personalities. They are all starting on the road of learning, and our aim is to make sure they get all the skills they require to become life-long engineers. We, as a business dont want people who can just make things, we want people who know why they are making those things the way they are.

We want people who understand how things work, and have a real grasp of manufacturing. This is our commitment as a business to Shropshire, this is our corporate social responsibility, and this is how we intend to close the skills gap and help more businesses succeed.

The most important work I see that we can do as business, is work with schools and colleges to make sure that all young people have the necessary knowledge of business, we need to show them the fantastic opportunities within our companies. We need to convince the youth of today that we have the jobs that will provide them with a secure future. I am working and speaking with as many schools as possible to make sure that young people have all the information they need to make an informed decision on their futures.

Take a look at your current workforce, are they an ageing workforce? Are they a local workforce? Are they a very skilled workforce?

If the answer to any, or all of these questions is YES, then you need to have a look at apprenticeships. They will make a difference to your business, they will make a really positive impact, they will enthuse your staff and bring new life to your business.

New training academy opens with promise of boosting Shropshire’s manufacturing skills