Stadco, the largest independent UK-based international supplier of automotive body-in-white products and services, has acquired the former Ogihara automotive manufacturing facility in Telford, Shropshire.
The facility was established by Ogihara Europe, part of the multi-national Ogihara Corporation, in 1994 to provide a tool making, stamping and subassembly facility for the production of automotive parts for UK and European customers.
Stadco said the new plant further strengthens its “platform for growth, with the company set to capitalise on the increase in manufacturing activity in the UK automotive sector. The acquisition will result in an additional 50 permanent jobs being created at the site with a further 30 required during the start up phase.
“Like many automotive businesses in the UK, Stadco faced many challenges throughout the economic downturn in the industry in 2008-09. After an extensive restructuring, Stadco emerged as a stronger, automotive focused business, which ultimately contributed to the company winning several key pieces of new business with major car manufacturers,” the company said. “Within the last year, new business won saw 183 jobs created across the group.”
The Telford site gives Stadco additional capacity to meet demand from increased vehicle production in the UK.
“Improved confidence and a more optimistic outlook for the UK automotive sector means that there is now greater demand on Stadco’s output, for example from Jaguar Land Rover, which has experienced strong sales and has an exciting new vehicle model development plan,” the automaker said.
Stadco is already a key supplier in the UK for JLR.
The Telford site is 18 acres in size and will initially incorporate two large mechanical stamping lines, a tool room and a further 24,000sq m of manufacturing area for future expansion. Stadco will start commissioning work in February 2011, ramping up to full production in June 2011.
The stamping lines provide the capability to produce the largest panels on a vehicle, including exterior A class skin panels in both steel and aluminium.
