Bridgnorth Aluminium Embarks on £2 Million Investment to Boost Long-Term Growth
Bridgnorth Aluminium has launched a £2 million investment initiative in new technology at its 66-acre Midlands site as part of a long-term growth strategy aimed at expanding into new markets. The company, which employs over 330 people, has experienced a 33% increase in sales in 2024 and is currently recruiting an additional 10 employees.
This growth is welcome news for Bridgnorth Aluminium, which faced challenges in 2023 due to rising UK energy prices and a major customer moving production from Europe to China. However, the company's decision to restructure and shift focus toward emerging markets in electric vehicle (EV) technology and packaging is already yielding promising results.
Gerhard Trilling, General Manager of Bridgnorth Aluminium, expressed confidence in the company's future: “We expected our Bridgnorth workforce to total around 305 at this point in the year, but we’re already at 330, with more jobs being created now for additional production operatives and support roles in engineering and other disciplines. The £2 million investment in casthouse technology will support our growing order book in the EV market and packaging, positioning us to meet the increasing demand for aluminium products in battery technology and electrification.”
Bridgnorth Aluminium primarily manufactures aluminium coils used in lithographic printing plates, pharmaceutical and household foils for packaging, and battery foil stocks for electrification. The new £1.6 million investment is directed towards molten metal filtration equipment, which is deployed before the casting process. This investment will help the company expand its market share in new and growing sectors.
Adam Hunter, Deputy General Manager, highlighted the significance of the new technology: “The leading-edge technology will give Bridgnorth Aluminium cleaner metal in the casting process. This is particularly crucial for the battery foil market as well as high-end packaging.”
The company's core business remains lithographic printing for clients across the globe, with 90% of its products exported outside the UK. Bridgnorth Aluminium has a dedicated Research & Development department and production capabilities that include casting, hot and cold rolling, heat treatment, slitting, levelling, and degreasing.
With a rich history spanning over 90 years, Bridgnorth Aluminium is the only fully integrated UK operation producing flat-rolled aluminium coils for global customers.