Author: sertec_admin

This December, Sertec Group has embraced the true spirit of the season by giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a real difference. Across our sites, teams have come together to volunteer, donate, and celebrate in ways that reflect our values of care, teamwork, and responsibility.

From packing gifts for Operation Christmas Child, to supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a toy collection led by our Early Careers team and spreading joy at their Magic Makers event, our people have shown that generosity is at the heart of Sertec.

Festive fun also played its part, with our Decorating Competition and the fantastic turnout for Christmas Jolly Jumper Day – a sea of cheerful knits (and even a snowman!) bringing smiles across the business.

But giving back isn’t just for December. At Sertec, we believe in creating a positive impact year-round – for our communities and for the planet. This season’s initiatives align with our broader commitment to sustainability, from reducing waste in our operations to supporting charities that share our vision of a better future.

“The festive season is a reminder that small acts of kindness can create big change,” said Dave Steggles, Commercial Director “We’re proud of our teams for their incredible efforts to give back and for embracing the values that make Sertec a responsible and caring business.”

As we look ahead to the new year, Sertec remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, championing sustainability, and continuing to make a difference – together.

A Day of Insight and Engagement

The event began with vibrant networking, setting the tone for a day focused on people, innovation, and transformation. Guests were welcomed by Grant Adams, Sertec’s CEO, whose leadership has been pivotal in shaping Sertec’s modern evolution as he prepares to transition to Chairman in January 2026.

Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in Group, opened with a powerful message on reversing “social entropy” and strengthening the UK’s manufacturing ecosystem—a theme that resonated throughout the day.

People at the Heart of Sertec

Operations Manager Adam Walker shared his journey from temporary operator to leading a team of 350, reinforcing Sertec’s belief that success starts with people. Continuous Improvement Manager Chris Durrant then guided guests through Sertec’s history—from its founding in 1962 to its growing role in EV and hybrid components—highlighting a cultural shift in 2019 from instruction to engagement. Initiatives like Bamboo, Sertec’s learning platform, and immersive training in the Dojo exemplify this people-first approach.

Factory Tour Highlights

Guests explored key areas of Sertec’s operations:

• Bus Bar Line: A live demonstration of components for the battery pack, showing the precision and complexity behind EV tech.
• EV Installation Area: A preview of Sertec’s next major capability with two new EV lines planned for 2026.
• VAR Studio: A quality system inspired by football’s VAR that cuts errors by 99 percent and strengthens Sertec’s focus on clarity and improvement.
• The Dojo: A hands-on training space where operators build skills through real-life simulations.

Open Dialogue and Future Vision

The event concluded with a Q&A on topics including AI integration, automation, and employee-led development, reflecting Sertec’s transparent approach to change. Guests also learned about the transformation of Grantham House, renamed by employees to honour Grant Adams’ 40-year legacy, and Sertec’s leadership transition as Ben Higgins prepares to become CEO in January 2026.

Looking Ahead

As visitors departed, one message was clear: Sertec is not just evolving—it is shaping the future of British manufacturing. Guests were invited to return in 2026 for Part Two of the Sertec story, showcasing the revitalised Grantham House and Sertec’s expanded EV capabilities.

We are proud to share some important leadership appointments, effective from the 5th January 2026, that will drive our next phase of growth and strengthen our ability to deliver sustainable engineering solutions for automotive, EV, and adjacent sectors:

Grant Adams – Chairman

Grant has dedicated more than 40 years to Sertec, shaping the business into a global force. Having served as CEO and recently undertaken Chairman duties, Grant will now transition fully into the Chairman role. His focus will be on reinforcing strategic direction, building external partnerships, and driving long-term growth.

Ben Higgins – Chief Executive Officer

Ben’s journey with Sertec spans 20 years, during which he has held pivotal roles across operations, commercial, HR, logistics, and purchasing. His deep understanding of our business and proven leadership make him the ideal choice to lead Sertec into its next chapter.

As CEO, Ben will drive a unified strategy focused on operational excellence, customer value, and sustainable growth, ensuring Sertec is positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing market.

Carl Milbourne – Group Operations Director

Carl has transformed operations at our Coleshill plants, earning industry recognition for innovation and efficiency. Joining the Board of Directors, Carl will oversee operations across all key sites, including SASH Hungary and SAST Tyseley, ensuring a consistent approach to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction.

Antal Mihalicz – Plant Director, Sertec Auto Structures Hungary

Antal’s leadership is central to our European growth strategy. His focus on innovation, efficiency, and collaboration ensures SASH remains a cornerstone of Sertec’s ability to serve customers across the continent with agility.

These appointments reflect our commitment to adapt, innovate, and lead. Together, this leadership team will ensure Sertec is positioned for success in a dynamic global market.

🏆 Operational Excellence – driven by the outstanding performance of our team at SAST
🏆 People & Skills – championed by our dedicated Learning & Development and HR teams

These nominations reflect Sertec’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class operational performance and investing in the development and retention of our people. From shop floor to leadership, our teams continue to demonstrate the innovation, agility, and collaboration that define the Sertec way.

These milestones are a testament to the passion and teamwork that drive Sertec forward — and to our unwavering focus on building a sustainable, people-powered future in manufacturing.

This achievement highlights our commitment to investing in the next generation of engineering talent, ensuring the future success and sustainability of our industry. Receiving outstanding feedback from our apprentices reinforces the impact of our dedication to continuous improvement and investment in Early Career Talent.

Thank you Lucy Hickerman and Next Gen Makers network for your continued support. We are now looking forward the the next year of improvements based on the invaluable feedback from our apprentices and the process.