Category: Latest News

We currently have an amazing cohort of young and bright apprentices undertaking placements across different departments within the business, providing support and very often going the extra mile to make sure Sertec remains a successful and competitive company within the automotive industry.

There are two apprentices in particular that have been stand out performers over the last year and as a result, we are very pleased to announce they have been shortlisted for the 2021 Made in the Midlands Apprentice of the Year Awards, due to take place on Thursday 15th July.

Robin Campbell and Will Moore have been exemplary apprentices since joining Sertec, achieving Distinctions continuously in all their BTEC assignments, producing some of the highest quality NVQ work their Assessor has ever seen and impressing in all their placements they have completed. They are both due to complete their apprenticeships this year and if either of them are the winner of the Apprentice of the Year Awards, it will be well and truly deserved.

Whatever the outcome, we are extremely proud of Robin and Will and we are sure they have bright and successful careers ahead of them with Sertec.

Since BGF’s initial investment in 2016, the business has expanded its customer base, invested in new technologies and established a strong European footprint through acquisitions and new hires.

This year, Sertec has secured significant new contract wins in the electric vehicle (EV) and lightweight technology markets using it’s engineering expertise and innovative technology know how. The company has recently completed a world-class battery component assembly line in Coleshill.

Grant Adams, CEO at Sertec said: “We’re ambitious about continuing to grow the company and BGF’s additional investment allows us to build on the strong foundations we’ve put in place. We start 2021 with a strong balance sheet and exciting growth prospects in Europe underpinned by our recent hires. Juergen Schreiner joins as European Sales Director and Antal Mihalicz has been appointed Managing Director in Sertec’s Hungarian operation.

“Our technology positions us at the forefront of the sector to take advantage of the huge potential presented by the growing EV market in the UK and Europe.”

This investment news follows the appointment of Nick Sanders as Non-Executive Chair in May 2020. BGF investor Tom Horton said “BGF’s renewed commitment to Sertec is testament to the strength of the business’ leadership and ongoing investment in new technologies. In a very challenging year, the company has continued to secure significant, long-term contracts as it expands its customer base. We look forward to working with the team in its next chapter of growth.”

賽特克集團有限公司於八個地點營運，其中六個製造基地位於英國中部地區，一個製造基地位於匈牙利阿薩爾，另一個位於德國赫克薩根，另設有工具技術中心於中國廣東省東莞市。

DLA Piper advised the Company and Shoosmiths acted for BGF.

I want to thank Peter Pugh and Colin Bennett especially, for their hard work over the shutdown period getting the plants ready for this phased re-opening of our facilities.

This week we began bringing back Plant Managers and small working teams to ensure we have followed Government guidelines and the plants are safe working environments for our people to return to the workplace.

I am aware of some of our employees including Board members who have also fallen ill and some resulting in hospital stays. I am pleased to say they are all recovering which is great news. It is a reminder of how serious this Virus is, and just because the numbers are going down it is still out there!

For those of you who are concerned about returning to work I assure you , that we have taken every possible precaution we can and some of our Unite stewards have viewed these changes and were pleased to see we have taken the necessary precautionary measures.

I would also reiterate the point we made in the last briefing that Manufacturing is not one of those sectors restricted by the Government to open, see below statement from Secretary of State:

‘Manufacturing is a critical part of our economy and I would like to be clear that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules ’

• The Rt. Hon Alok Sharma
• MP Secretary of State
• Department for Business

Our Group Health and Safety Manager Colin Bennett has prepared a comprehensive booklet guide for everyone returning to work which you will be supplied with on your return. You will see changes to the working environment both in the offices and shop floor where we would ask you to observe and abide by these instructions please.

This is going to mean changes and support from every one of you with all of the changes and I ask you to consider your own part in keeping the workplace safe for you and your colleagues and all of our families.

We will continue with home working for staff where possible but also introduce a rota system, so people get some form of personal interaction.

Colin will be carrying out a risk assessment for all of the offices and we will use the month of May to determine a safe working policy.

You will know by now that not all of you will be returning to work and at the moment, we cannot guarantee how many of you will return and when. This is dictated by Customer demand and also if there any further changes to Government policy.

The Board will review this on an on-going basis by Plant and for Sertec Group employees by Department, but the output from those plans will be a number of you will remain on furlough.

It is unlikely demand will return for a considerable amount of time, and there will be inevitable actions we will need to take to protect the business.

We do not want to lose jobs, but it will be dictated by this demand and how fast that returns. Any changes and proposals will be communicated through the proper consultations with Unions and works committees.

We have a very viable company before this Global crisis impacted on our business and we have also won substantial orders for future business including the EV project.

I want to thank everyone for their support in these difficult times and the personal sacrifices we have all had to make financially to keep the business running.

Be assured we are doing everything we can to provide a safe working place for you all to return to work and putting together a business plan to safeguard the Sertec Group.

In the meantime, please stay safe and abide by the Government advice and the message is we will get through this.

Grant Adams
CEO

The new cars had to be British made which narrows the choice significantly and also had to mimic our company colours, black and silver…

Well done to Matthew and the Purchasing team who have outdone themselves and sorted out 14 Mini Clubmans.

They are fantastic little cars – perfect for running around in but also eco-efficient for the environment. Thank you to Listers Mini who have gone above and beyond.

In May, Sertec hosted the launch of the Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship in partnership with Capella associates, to support members of our Quality and Systems teams in attaining further knowledge and Qualifications.

Over the next 17 months, Elizabeth Lippett, Chris Stains and Lee Chatfield will be supported by Peter Pugh and Martyn Hughes as they work towards completing a number of improvement projects; using a blend of Lean, Six Sigma and change management tools. This apprenticeship combines world- class “thinking” with tools in problem solving and process improvement, providing them with knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to support them in the work place.

The programme includes 16 delegates from 5 companies giving the team a real opportunity to share best practice and learn from their peers as they put the learning into action in the work place. We look forward to supporting this programme over the coming months and seeing the results of the improvement projects.

If so, join us this Saturday at the EEF Open Day. This is a great way to see and hear first-hand what life is really like as an engineering apprentice. Click here to find out more.

For more information on Apprenticeships click here.

What made you want to do an Apprenticeship? The thought that I could gain higher level qualifications alongside gaining experience in engineering. Being an Apprentice is such a valuable experience I would recommend anyone to follow the same pathway and Sertec are such a support.

What is the most valuable thing that being an Apprentice has taught you? That college work is nothing like the work you will undertake at your company. Also to be in confident and listen to any advice/criticism you are given.

What has been the most enjoyable part of your Apprenticeship? I would say working in different departments with different groups of people at different sites. It has helped me to use my knowledge and skills that I have learnt and apply them in a different job role.

“I have been tasked me with challenging but exciting responsibilities such as buying off press tools to Sertec’s manufacturing sites for the purpose of supplying quality assured parts to our various customers. My manager has put great trust within me to represent Sertec to manage suppliers and attend meetings with the customers, despite only being in the position for just under two years, the job is very rewarding and I am gaining valuable experience every day.”

The most valuable experience Jack has gained is facing problems head on with the right outgoing and professional attitude; “no two engineering problems you will face are going to be exactly the same and you will face challenges every day at work, but as long you approach it with the correct method and attitude you can overcome any problems that you are tasked with”.

作為歐洲規模最大的獨立沖壓件與組裝件製造商之一，Sertec每週生產並分銷逾400萬件零件。我們深知卓越成就的根基在於始終銘記：人才是企業最珍貴的資產。2018年，我們將進一步擴展學徒培訓計劃，於工程與商業部門全面招募新血。

若您想了解更多詳情，歡迎親臨Sertec展位與Rachel及團隊成員洽談，或發送電子郵件至Rachel.starkey@sertec.co.uk。

We have donated £2100 which is £100 per person who sadly lost their lives that day in November 1974.

All money goes towards the campaign to fight for legal aid to get justice for the 21 people.

Grant Adams, CEO and Martyn Hughes, Finance Director pictured here handing the cheque over to Julie and Brian Hambleton who are the founders for ‘Justice for the 21’. Julie and Brian lost their sister, Maxine, at the age of 18 in the bombings that day.

If you would like to donate or for more information please click here.

Who murdered Maxine?