A. E. Oscroft & Sons
other changes. “Since we last appeared in MTE around 12 months ago, we have spent some time restructuring the organisation ready for our next growth spurt. As a result of our activities, we have introduced a new Operations, Sales and Commercial team and engaged with a marketing company to increase our network and to further promote the business. We are now in the process of updating our website and working with our new marketing and NPI team to enhance our presence further.” This process of reorganisation had to occur concurrently with a raft of new product development projects, and as Chris identified, these are spread across a range of sectors and applications. He gave more details to illustrate the accomplishments of AEO: “We have designed, developed and tested Weller 20” steel wheels for the VW camper, where we discovered a gap in the market for wheels that are load rated for these vehicles. “We have also designed and successfully FEA tested two new innovative products for the AA that we are currently building prototypes for physical feasibility review. We’ve worked on M800 stampings and assemblies, as well as a mini project for an in source F5XX assembly bracket with full Poka Yoke systems. We’ve helped develop battery components on electrification work for automotive battery modules, and in the rail
market we have re-developed a type of tip up seat for rail carriages.” This last project is a new market for AEO, and Chris also noted that the company has been awarded business for a major OEM in a niche vehicle sector. “We see this sector as a major opportunity for forward growth,” he confirmed. “We are also working on EV with Williams/JLR, and various projects with Delta Motorsport.” Exciting times are evidently afoot at AEO, and to maintain the momentum, it has recently entered into a partnership with a training provider, and is investing in internal apprenticeship programmes to develop its employees. “Our staff are eager to learn and they want to grow and support the company moving forward,” added Chris. Having recognised a skills gap in engineering, AEO wants to encourage the next generation into the industry by offering good opportunities, with an overall aim of giving them ‘a sense of belonging and help them
to realise their true potential’. Apprentices who are accepted by AEO join a team of experienced toolmakers who support and guide them through all the skills they need to become a proficient toolmaker within a manufacturing environment. Outside of the toolmaking arena, all of AEO’s staff have attended a half day Lean awareness course, which brought several impacts, not least improvements in productivity, quality and efficiency. The development of other staff includes NVQ’s in team leading, and CNC training on the HAAS machining centre and Robot weld programming. Looking to the future, AEO is keen to enrol its production engineers on courses for Diplomas for Mechanical Engineering, and is always identifying and developing innovative opportunities for both new and existing staff. With a new structure, new employees, new technology and new sectors coming on board, so far, 2019 has seen a lot of change at AEO, but as Chris noted, these preparations have all been made in anticipation of very busy times. “Over the next six to 12 months we will bed in the new structure in readiness for a further period of growth over the next few years,” he concluded. “We’re aiming for a turnover of £15m by 2021 through developing new markets, sectors and products, and we have started looking at acquisitions to broaden our capabilities. We are looking forward to an exciting future.”
A. E. Oscroft & Sons Products: Presswork manufacturer and supplier www.aeoscroft.co.uk
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