Manufacturer secures grant for EV expansion

A Birmingham manufacturer has secured a six-figure grant to develop new technology for the growing electric vehicle market.

Precision metal-stamping and tooling specialist C. Brandauer & Co Ltd has been awarded £199,500 through the West Midlands Supply Chain Transition Programme to develop a manufacturing process for components used in electric vehicle motors.

Bosses say the funding will support a 12-month project, running until May 2027, in partnership with Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick.

It will focus on improving production of lamination stacks, which comprise thousands of ultra-thin electrical steel sheets forming the magnetic core of an electric motor.

The precision of these components is critical to motor performance, energy efficiency and reliability.

Established in Birmingham, Brandauer has traditionally served the automotive sector but has increasingly diversified into aerospace and defence, including emerging drone technologies, securing new orders in these markets.

Rowan Crozier MBE, chief executive and co-owner of Brandauer, said: “For Brandauer, this project was taken on as a strategic way to both develop Brandauer’s internal capabilities and solve real world problems for both current and future customers, adding huge value for everyone involved.

“The real winning formula for this project was the combination of Brandauer’s expertise in precision engineering with WMG’s amazing access to deep research.

“The result will be a repeatable and scalable approach to bonded motor lamination stacks and after accessing WMG’s capabilities, we are confident the manufacturing process will be a success.

“This new process will give customers greater confidence in the quality, performance and scalability of all lamination projects.

“It’s also important not to forget that this investment has provided the UK with a crucial sovereign capability, which is becoming increasingly non-negotiable for more markets than ever.”

Andy Davis, project lead for the Supply Chain Transition Programme, added: “Brandauer is exactly the kind of business this programme exists to support, a well-established manufacturer with real expertise, looking to move into higher-value, higher-volume work rather than standing still.

“Its move into aerospace and defence shows how an established SME can apply its existing strengths to entirely new products and supply chains rather than starting from scratch, and this project builds on that by opening up the electric vehicle market as well.

“Getting the lamination stack process right will let Brandauer compete for contracts with major vehicle manufacturers that would otherwise be out of reach.

“That matters for the region as much as for the business because it means more resilient supply chains and more skilled jobs here in the West Midlands.”

The grant forms part of a wider programme helping West Midlands manufacturers strengthen supply chains and expand into high-growth industries.

Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority through its Investment Zone programme, the initiative provides specialist coaching, training and research and development support.

The wider Investment Zone aims to attract £5.5 billion of investment and create 30,000 advanced manufacturing jobs across the region.

Dr Federico Melotti, principal engineer at WMG, added: “We’re pleased to deliver this project through the Supply Chain Transition Programme, continuing WMG’s 15-year partnership with Brandauer, to further support the company to strengthen its position in advanced manufacturing, while continuing to diversify into emerging markets.”

Manufacturers in the West Midlands can find out more about the Supply Chain Transition Programme by emailing supplychains@cwgrowthhub.co.uk.

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