Topic: Manufacturing

Mayor Richard Parker has toured the region’s latest investment project – a new state-of-the-art milk and dairy processing factory, set to create 200 jobs in West Bromwich.

Freshways, the UK’s largest independent dairy supplier, has invested £25 million in the facility, which will pasteurise and package almost 900 million pints of fresh milk a year – enough to fill 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Work on the dairy is nearing completion with production expected to start at the end of the year.

At least 200 people will be employed at the site with more jobs likely to follow as the plant scales up. The company will focus on recruiting local young people in support of the Mayor’s Youth Employment Plan.

The British company has also imported specialist milk processing machinery from India in one of the first major deals to be completed since the UK and Indian governments signed a free trade deal in July.

From left: Bali Nijjar, MD of Freshways, Mayor Richard Parker and Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council

Mayor Richard Parker said: “This major investment in West Bromwich will support British dairy farming, bolster our food supply chain, and create at least 200 new jobs for local people – helping me to deliver on my Growth Plan.

“It also clearly shows how strong trade relationships with India benefit our region – bringing specialist Indian engineering to create one of the UK’s most advanced dairy facilities on our doorstep.

“And it is another vote of confidence in the West Midlands as the best place to invest and grow a business.”

Engineering specialists from IDMC based in Gujarat, India manufactured over 200 pieces of specialist equipment including five stainless steel silos weighing in at 17 tonnes each and together capable of holding 625,000 litres of fresh British milk. A team of engineers from India are overseeing the installation and will train Freshways staff.

IDMC is hopeful the contract, the biggest it has ever landed outside India, and the new free trade agreement will enable them to partner in more UK dairy projects.

Investment in advanced manufacturing is at the centre of the Mayor’s Growth Plan, launched earlier this year, and is under discussion at the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham today (Tuesday October 21).

The summit, which is being co-hosted by the Chancellor, the Mayor and Secretary of State for Business and Trade, gives the West Midlands and other regions the chance to showcase to global investors their potential for growth, innovation, and talent.

Freshways has seen a huge increase in orders from its food service and retail customers in the first six months of this year, creating a need for the modernised processing capacity at West Bromwich to meet demand.

The new factory will increase Freshways processing capacity by 25% enabling the company to buy even more fresh milk from hundreds of British dairy farms, many of them based in the Midlands.

Bali Nijjar, MD of Freshways said: “This new West Midlands dairy hub is ideally located to collect more fresh milk from our loyal British farmers, processing and packing it efficiently and sustainably, before moving it on to our customers.

“We can’t wait to get started in the West Midlands and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the business. Our Indian engineering partners and the local contractors are working around the clock to get things ready and we very much hope to start bringing millions of litres of delicious fresh British milk to the site by the end of the year.”

Recruitment for staff at the new dairy on the Park Rose Industrial Estate will start shortly with opportunities including engineering, quality assurance, food safety, logistics and support services.

Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council said: “This is great news for West Bromwich. We have a long history of industrial innovation and people making it here in Sandwell, so welcoming the new Freshways plant with its international collaboration and new jobs is another chapter in our story.

“This shows that we can really think big when we encourage investment in Sandwell, as part of our ambition to drive economic growth in the Black Country Growth Corridor, a key element of the West Midlands Growth Plan.”

Freshways is backing the Mayor’s Youth Employment Plan and wants to encourage young local talent to explore rewarding career opportunities within the dairy and food sector.

The recruitment team will actively engage with local schools, colleges and universities, including through job fairs and campus talks, to discuss a range of opportunities from work placements and apprenticeships to full time roles.

A video clip is here: Freshways visit video

This article came from the West Midlands Combined Authority, read it here.

Manufacturers across the West Midlands are being invited to take part in a fully funded programme designed to help them unlock investment and prepare for future growth.

The Future Fit Manufacturing Cohort, delivered by Business Growth West Midlands, Investment Readiness, is a four-session series tailored specifically for SME manufacturers who are ready to take their next big step.

A practical programme for ambitious manufacturers

Running from 24 September to 15 October 2025, the cohort combines expert speakers, hands on workshops, and peer-to-peer networking. Over the course of four sessions, participants will gain the tools and knowledge needed to:

• Navigate the complex funding landscape
• Explore investment in energy efficiency, innovation and automation
• Understand what funders are really looking for
• Futureproof their workforce with the right skills and support

Each session also provides space for manufacturers to connect, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration, from supply chain partnerships to joint bids.

Dates and themes

• 24 September – Energy Efficiency in Practice with Pro Enviro Ltd, hosted at Webster & Horsfall Group, Tyseley Energy Park
• 1 October – Planning Your Digital Transformation Journey and Innovation Funding, at Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT)
• 8 October – Automation and AI with Made Smarter, SWAI, and Garfield AI, hosted by Barclays, Snow Hill
• 15 October – Meet the Funders and Tax Planning with Mazars, hosted by Barclays, Snow Hill

This programme is designed for business owners, directors and decision-makers in manufacturing SMEs who are:

• Planning to invest in growth over the next 12–24 months
• Looking for funding support and practical strategies
• Keen to build connections with other local manufacturers

The Future Fit Manufacturing Cohort offers more than just advice, it’s an opportunity to access practical solutions and position your business for long-term success.

One of Sandwell’s longest-established manufacturers, Brockhouse Forgings, has secured funding to support its expansion as it marks 140 years in business.

The West Bromwich-based company, which has been supplying forged steel components since 1885, has received a six-figure funding package from UKSE to help it grow its customer base and secure its future.

A legacy of manufacturing

Brockhouse Forgings, based on Howard Street in West Bromwich, has been in the steel manufacturing industry for well over a century. The company provides high-quality forged steel components to a range of sectors, including automotive, defence, mining, oil and gas, railway and nuclear.

The business employs 43 members of staff, with many generations of families having worked for the company over its long history. Now, with fresh investment, the company is looking to the future, aiming to expand its customer base and strengthen its position in the industry.

Supporting growth and expansion

The funding from UKSE will allow Brockhouse to develop new opportunities and expand its reach beyond its current markets. Director Steve Walters welcomed the support, highlighting how it will help the business grow:

“UKSE have been very supportive throughout the whole process. It’s great to know that there is funding out there for the steel-related industries. Whilst we have deep roots in the region, our business is known globally, and as we enter our 140th year in business, we look forward to utilising the funding to grow our customer base to secure the business for another 140 years.”

Backing Sandwell’s manufacturers

Brockhouse was introduced to UKSE by Select Business Finance. UKSE provides finance of up to £1m for businesses across the West Midlands, they are committed to helping manufacturers expand and innovate.

UKSE area manager Steve Grice praised Brockhouse for its long-standing success and ambition:

“Brockhouse is a great example of a traditional manufacturing business looking to innovate and grow. We wish them all the success in their 140th year in business and are delighted to support Steve and the team with their growth plans.”

As Brockhouse Forgings continues to grow, this funding will play a key role in ensuring its long-term stability and enabling it to build on its proud heritage. With its strong reputation in the industry and a commitment to developing new opportunities, the company remains a vital part of Sandwell’s manufacturing industry.

Information sourced from Insider Media. Read the original here.

Latham’s Steel Doors celebrated a major milestone on Thursday 30 January, with the opening of their new warehouse facility in Sandwell. The event, attended by Mayor Syeda Khatun and Councillor Sukhbir Singh Gill, marked another step forward for the company as it continues to expand and invest in the local economy.

Supporting growth and efficiency

The new facility has been designed to increase storage capacity, improve dispatch operations and enhance customer service. With demand for Latham’s products at an all-time high, the expansion is a crucial move to keep up with growth.

Ranked number 12 in the 2024 Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies, Latham’s has proven itself as a leader in the industry, and this latest investment ensures they remain at the forefront of the market.

Alex Latham, Managing Director, welcomed guests and spoke about the significance of the expansion:

“We are fortunate to be in a position where growth is a challenge, and this new facility is the next step in ensuring we continue to meet demand efficiently. This investment is about improving service, increasing capacity and maintaining our reputation as a leader in the industry.”

A boost for Sandwell’s economy

The opening highlighted Latham’s impact on job creation and business growth in Sandwell. Councillor Sukhbir Singh Gill, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills, said

“A huge thank you goes to Latham’s — not just for their impressive financial success, but for their commitment to creating and sustaining jobs here in Sandwell. “

The Mayor echoed these words, saying:

“To have such a successful, fast-growing company within our community is great for creating local opportunity.”

Touring the new facility

Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were given an exclusive tour of the new warehouse and Latham’s existing facilities. Alex personally guided the Mayor and Councillor Gill, showcasing the benefits of the new facility and discussing the company’s future.

The expansion reflects Latham’s long-term vision for growth. With plans already in motion for future developments, Latham’s continues to be a driving force behind Sandwell’s reputation for advanced manufacturing.

Visit Latham’s website.

Oldbury-based Polydrain Civils has made a significant investment in the local area, acquiring two industrial units in West Bromwich as part of a multi-million-pound deal.

The adjoining warehouses on Ridgacre Road span over 61,000 sq ft on a three-acre site and offer excellent connectivity, located just half a mile from the A41 Black Country New Road with easy access to the M5 and M6. The purchase will allow Polydrain Civils to expand its operations while strengthening its presence in the region.

Chris Davies, a director at Watling Real Estate’s Birmingham office, said: “The sale has allowed our client to consolidate their operations into an existing facility while providing much-needed space for the purchaser to expand their operations and strengthen their presence in the region.

“This sale demonstrates that owner-occupier demand for well-located industrial and warehouse premises continues to remain robust, despite the wider economic headwinds experienced over recent times.”

The units were marketed with a guide price of £3 million and were sold by Watling Real Estate on behalf of a FTSE-listed client.

This expansion marks a positive step for Polydrain Civils, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and investment in the local economy. The acquisition also ensures that the site remains in productive use, supporting jobs and development within Sandwell’s thriving industrial sector.

the information for this article came from the business desk.