Topic: Sandwell business success

Industrial maintenance specialist Orapi Maintenance UK has officially opened its new 57,000 sq ft facility at Britannia Point in Wednesbury, marking its first UK relocation in more than 40 years and reinforcing its long-standing commitment to Sandwell.

A major investment in Sandwell

The move to the new site represents a significant investment in Sandwell, supporting local employment and strengthening the company’s ability to serve customers across a range of industries including automotive, rail, aerospace, food production and general manufacturing.

The facility provides 57,000 sq ft of manufacturing and distribution space and has been designed to support future growth while improving operational efficiency.

For more than 50 years, Orapi Maintenance UK has supplied industrial maintenance chemicals, lubricants, adhesives and cleaning products to customers across the UK and internationally. The business has built its reputation on providing technical expertise and guidance alongside its products, helping facilities reduce downtime and improve performance.

Support from Sandwell Business Growth

Sandwell Business Growth supported the company with match funding of up to £25,000, helping the business invest in improvements.

David East, UK Division Director at Orapi Maintenance UK, said “We had match funding support of up to £25,000 delivered by the fabulous Helen Peach that helped us with some bifolds and signage that we’ve got around this new building.”

The relocation has also helped secure local employment and create opportunities for skills development within the business.

Tammy Stokes Regeneration Service Director at Sandwell Council said “They’ve safeguarded a number of jobs and invested in new apprenticeship opportunities which is fabulous for the local area. We’re really pleased to have maintained this business within Sandwell and supported them through the Business Growth team.”

A facility built for the future

Located at Britannia Point in Wednesbury, the new site sits on a 5.5-acre plot and offers improved logistics, modern office space and greater production capacity.

The move supports the company’s continued growth and ensures it can maintain fast, reliable service for customers across multiple sectors while continuing to invest in the region.

Sandwell is home to a stylish new success story, with local entrepreneur Susana launching P’tit Affair, a premium fashion brand designed exclusively for petite women 5’3” (160 cm) and under.

Thanks to support from our Sandwell Enterprise Programme, delivered by Aspire4U, and a £3,000 Sandwell Council business grant, Susana was able to turn her vision into reality. P’tit Affair’s debut collection, launched this year, features timeless, ethically produced pieces including a midi dress, tailored shorts, a classic T-shirt, and the Saudade Tote Bag, inspired by Portuguese craftsmanship.

All items are designed in the UK and made in Portugal using premium fabrics, with durability, comfort and ethical practices at the heart of production.

Susana said:

“I wanted to create a brand that celebrates petite women properly – designed from the ground up, not just scaled down. Sandwell has been the perfect place to grow P’tit Affair, with its supportive business community, great connections, and beautiful green spaces that spark creativity. The Aspire4U programme and grant funding made a huge difference and proved that world-class brands can be built right here in Sandwell.”

Like many new ventures, P’tit Affair’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. When her first manufacturer went into administration, Susana was forced to start over, but her determination to stick to ethical, sustainable fashion paid off. Production has now relaunched with trusted partners in Portugal, and pre-orders are already open.

With ambitions to expand into the EU and US in the future, P’tit Affair has global aspirations with Sandwell remaining firmly its home.

Smethwick-based healthcare company Nourish3d has taken its latest range of health gummies nationwide in partnership with Holland & Barrett.

From local innovation to nationwide shelves

The new Hair & Skin+ range features five vegan, plastic-free products designed to support environmental protection, elasticity, hydration and overall skin and hair health. Previously only available online and in six Holland & Barrett stores, the range is now stocked in branches across the UK following strong demand.

The launch follows months of collaboration with the retailer to identify gaps in the nutrition market and create products that address genuine consumer needs. The Hair & Skin+ range first appeared in selected stores in June, including Birmingham Bullring, before expanding nationwide.

Sampling events

To celebrate the launch, Nourish3d is holding sampling events from 13–23 August in key Holland & Barrett locations, including Birmingham Bullring. Visitors will also be able to see demonstrations of the company’s pioneering 3D-printing technology, which is used to produce many of its gummies.

Founder and CEO Melissa Snover said:
“We are delighted that our Nourish3d Hair & Skin+ range has resonated so strongly with Holland & Barrett customers, and it is rewarding to now see it launched in stores nationwide. This milestone reflects a close and highly productive collaboration with one of the UK’s leading retailers to deliver innovative products that address genuine consumer needs.”

Nourish3d’s success demonstrates the potential for innovative businesses in Sandwell to reach national audiences.

The information for this article came from TheBusinessDesk.com read it here.

In a significant step towards its long-term expansion, GB Tyres (UK) Ltd has proudly announced the acquisition of a 7.5-acre site in West Bromwich, valued at £11.5 million. The new facility will serve as the company’s head office and a state-of-the-art warehouse, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and providing superior service to its customers.

This major investment comes as part of GB Tyres’ broader strategy to bolster its supply chain capabilities and support its continued growth across the UK tyre industry.

Enhancing Distribution with a New Warehouse

The newly acquired site will feature a cutting-edge warehouse designed to optimise GB Tyres’ distribution network. This facility will enable the company to streamline its logistics, improving its ability to meet the demands of its extensive customer base across the UK. The modern warehouse will not only enhance service delivery but also increase operational capacity, positioning GB Tyres for future success.

Managing Director Sukhi Singh commented, “We are excited to announce this major milestone in our expansion journey. The acquisition of the West Bromwich site, along with our existing 8-acre site in Oldbury, will significantly enhance our operational capacity and allow us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers. The new warehouse and future head office will play a crucial role in our continued success and growth.”

Relocating Headquarters to Support Growth

In addition to the warehouse, GB Tyres will relocate its head office to the West Bromwich site in the first quarter of 2025. The new headquarters will offer modern office spaces, advanced meeting facilities, and collaborative work environments, creating an improved working atmosphere for the company’s growing team.

The West Bromwich site is strategically located with excellent transport links, facilitating efficient distribution and logistics across the UK. The development is expected to create new job opportunities in the region, contributing positively to the local economy and supporting Sandwell’s business growth.

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We’re pleased to celebrate the continued growth of Sandwell-based A&M EDM, a leading precision engineering company. They have used a grant from Sandwell Council and Business Growth West Midlands to fuel their expansion and enhance their capabilities.

Driving innovation with cutting-edge machinery

A&M EDM has invested significantly in state-of-the-art equipment, including a Hurco VMX42i three-axis machining centre. This cutting-edge technology will enable the company to take on more complex and larger-scale projects. The new machinery will not only boost the company’s production capacity but also improve the precision and quality of its engineering services. This will further solidify its reputation as a leader in the field.

Expanding facilities and workforce

In addition to upgrading its equipment, A&M is also expanding its facilities to accommodate the increased production demand. This expansion is set to create new jobs, providing valuable opportunities for skilled workers in the Sandwell area. By investing in both technology and talent, A&M is positioning itself for long-term growth and contributing to the economic development of the region.

A boost for the local economy

A&M has grown from a two man start-up in 2002 to a workforce of 82 with sales over £8 million, creating new jobs by applying its engineering expertise in CNC machining, spark and wire electro discharge machining and toolmaking with continuous investment in new technology.

The investment marks a significant milestone for A&M and a positive development for the Sandwell community. With plans to continue expanding its services and workforce, the company is playing a key role in driving local economic growth and supporting the region’s engineering sector.

Positive Impact

Mark Wingfield, managing director of A&M EDM, said: “Sandwell Council’s support was important; the grant was a refreshingly straightforward process and accelerated our investment in a new machining centre to increase our manufacturing of precision aerospace components.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for business and skills, Councillor Sukhbir Gill, said: “This is a great example of how, working in tandem with business, Sandwell Council is determined to drive growth and increase employment. We want Sandwell to be the location of choice for business and would encourage anyone in business or thinking of starting a business however big or small to contact our Sandwell Business Growth Team.”

Well done to the entire team at A&M.