One of South Tyneside’s most historic engineering businesses is investing in future success as it celebrates its 100th birthday.
Ford is looking to build on its expanding order book by investing in new technology in both its components and aerospace businesses following support from Tyne and Wear Development Company and One North East.
The South Shields-based company has bought a state-of-art CNC laser machine for component manufacturing and a CNC milling machine for its aerospace operations. The new laser machine will allow the company to grow current and diversify into new markets.
The project, which will help to safeguard existing jobs at Ford and create a number of new posts, is being supported by the introduction of a new MRP & Finance system within the company that will improve performance to all their customers whilst reducing costs.
Tyne and Wear Development Company has been able to assist the company in drawing down a range of support for the project including financial backing from One North East through the Grant for Business Investment Scheme worth £178,000.
Ford is now looking to grow as the market expands after a couple of challenging years and has already seen both its order books for its components and aerospace business increase by 30%. In particular, it is looking to tap into potential Chinese interest in precision-made products such as its niche laminate shimstock (Easipeel)
Geoff Ford chairman of Ford said: “There’s no doubt that the last couple of years have been challenging but we’ve witnessed many changes over the past 100 years and have always had the resilience and skill to overcome anything thrown at us.
“We’re very optimistic about the future and this fresh investment into the business will help us to go on meeting worldwide demand for our products and services and to remain one of the market leaders in our fields.
“As a company, we’ve always invested in the business, our technology and our people as these are our major assets. We have a great relationship with Alma and the team at Tyne and Wear Development Company. Over many conversations, they’ve listened closely to our needs and offered excellent advice and guidance to help us access the support required.”
Ford received support from Tyne and Wear Development Company through the regional strategic account management programme – a bespoke scheme designed to help companies within the region grow. In addition to the investment in equipment, Ford has also been able to implement a training and development initiative for employees in partnership with Business Link.
Alma Harrison from Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “Ford is a successful and well respected company worldwide that has been flying the flag for manufacturing in South Tyneside and the wider region for many years.
“It’s a terrific achievement to celebrate 100 years in business and the company is now in a strong position to pick up growing market demand in both automotive and aerospace sectors. It’s been a pleasure working with the team and a partnership we look forward to continuing.”