Frank Dudley Ltd versatility results in 15% growth

Leading sheet metal pressings and stampings company, Frank Dudley Ltd have announced that their business has grown by 15% since the previous year. 

The Birmingham-based company achieved this by increasing their volume, whilst partaking in engineering projects that reduced waste and output times. FDL were also supported by key customers with their investment into the business. 

Business Development Manager, Josh Dudley-Toole stated: “FDL have taken a focus to broaden our market exposure, because we offer a process based manufacturing capacity. Regardless of the market, we can create the right product. We have highlighted growth opportunities with HS2 in rail and we’re now supplying a German OEM.”

Diversity and versatility are always at the heart of the services FDL provide, and they are proud to offer their services across a wide range of sectors and industries. They are the trusted components manufacturer for many customers, from world class names through to small local businesses. No matter what your industry, or the application you require components for, you can trust FDL to deliver on time every time.

FDL have proven their versatility by working across a variety of sectors, as Dudley-Toole explained: “This year, we are looking to finalize a contract with the defence and aerospace industries and FDL want to be able to offer solutions to each industry, by using our expertise in metal forming, metal processing and much more. 

“The second project is with a German train manufacturer, which we have been able to support with a product development on a visual panel which has historically caused them concerns. 

“We are also looking at an export opportunity with an aerospace OEM supplier. We have started an R and D project, reviewing possible VAVE programmes and the opportunity of creating a fully automated purpose built cell should go live for January 2018.” 

At FDL, they offer so much more than just component manufacture, they can manage your component requirements throughout the product life cycle, from concept through to decommissioning and recycling. 

From producing small runs on a laser machine, to producing prototypes for larger projects, they can assist. FDL can also adapt their services to suit the growth of your project. As component demand increases, they can transfer production to one of their technical assembly manufacturing lines or set up a cell dedicated to your project.

FDL also hired three apprentices as they aim to increase the percentage of their workforce currently in an apprenticeship or further education. Dudley-Toole concluded: “Apprentices are seen to be the key to the success of this business over the next ten to 15 years. Over the last ten years we have proactively taken on apprentices, which means that people are now filling certain key positions. For the business to keep growing and be sustainable in the future we need to add more of these roles.” 

 Â“This has meant that the skills-gap has been less apparent within our business, as we have been able to grow in the last four years, following the promotion of individuals within FDL.”