Jobs saved in fruit picking maker rescue agreement

Jobs have been saved after a Royal-accredited engineering firm was rescued from administration.

Bramley Precision Aerospace has bought the assets, goodwill and intellectual property of SFM Technology.

Bosses say the move has secured more than 15 jobs, adding moves are now underway to recruit staff including an office manager and design manufacturing manager.

The deal comes after SFM Technology suffered cashflow pressures.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Somerset-based business – previously awarded a Royal Warrant for the supply of fruit harvesting machinery to the Royal Household – will continue to operate from its factory in Martock, near Yeovil.

Founded in 1985 as Somerset Fruit Machinery, SFM Technology was initially known for making apple and blackcurrant harvesting machines before expanding into the aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.

It will work under the newly-formed Bramley Precision Aerospace business, which carries the Bramley Aerospace and Bramley Harvesting brands.

Graham Bramley, Bramley Aerospace managing director – who is also managing director at Leighton Buzzard-based crane and lifting equipment maker Bramley Engineering – said: “Businesses like SFM Technology are built on people, skill and years of experience.

“When we looked at the business, we saw a proud Somerset engineering firm with a remarkable history, a talented team and real potential for the future.”

Emma Bramley, Bramley Aerospace director, added: “We understand what it takes to run a specialist engineering business, and we also understand the responsibility that comes with protecting skilled jobs and longstanding customer relationships.

“We are proud to carry that forward as Bramley Aerospace, while keeping the business rooted in Martock.”

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