“Smethwick has always been a place where things are made,” By taking our engineering to the salt flats of Bolivia, we’re showing that Sandwell’s talent can compete and win anywhere in the world.”
Established: 2016
Activities:
Operating from Mornington Road in Smethwick, Ascaso Engineering Ltd designs and manufactures high-performance aluminium engines and precision components for the automotive sector. The business is best known for the Ascaso A+5, a lightweight aluminium engine that reimagines the iconic Classic Mini power unit using advanced manufacturing techniques.
Led by Gary Surman and Mark Wingfield, the team combines Sandwell’s industrial heritage with cutting-edge processes such as Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM). The result is a 21st-century engine capable of reaching up to 10,000 RPM, engineered with the precision associated with top-tier motorsport.
From their Sandwell base, Ascaso components are exported to elite racing teams around the world, reinforcing the borough’s reputation for high-quality manufacturing and technical innovation.
Looking ahead, the company has set its sights on the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia in 2026, where it aims to use its Smethwick-built engine in an attempt to set a new Land Speed Record. The project represents a bold ambition to showcase Sandwell engineering on the world stage, with the team currently seeking strategic sponsorship partners to support the journey.
Three things to know about Ascaso Engineering:
- Ascaso has “retro-engineered” a classic 1950s Mini engine design into a modern, lightweight aluminium performance unit using aerospace-grade precision techniques.
- Its products are manufactured in Sandwell and exported globally, supplying specialist motorsport and performance markets.
- The business represents a strong example of how traditional Black Country manufacturing skills are evolving into advanced, high-tech engineering.
Fun fact:
In 2026, a Smethwick-built engine could be roaring across the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia in a bid to break a Land Speed Record putting “Made in Sandwell” into the record books on a global stage.
Gary Surman and Mark Wingfield
“Smethwick has always been a place where things are made,” By taking our engineering to the salt flats of Bolivia, we’re showing that Sandwell’s talent can compete and win anywhere in the world.”