A Black Country manufacturer specialising in the metal forming industry, Bowers & Jones, has announced a £500,000 investment in advanced machinery aimed at enhancing its export operations. Based in Bilston, the company has acquired a state-of-the-art Doosan Puma VTR1216F vertical turning centre from South Korea, a move set to significantly bolster its North American sales, which currently account for 50% of total revenue.
The new vertical turning centre is a key component of a larger £1 million investment initiative by Bowers & Jones, designed to replace older machinery with more efficient and precise equipment. This purchase marks the company’s most significant investment since the leadership change in 2020 when Jane Sommerville and Nicola Owen took the helm.
The Doosan Puma VTR1216F is engineered to handle large-diameter steel pieces, utilising a vertical design that leverages gravity to enhance stability and reduce cutting inaccuracies. This cutting-edge machinery is expected to improve production efficiency and is projected to generate an 11% increase in capacity.
With over 300 customers spread across the UK, North America, Europe, and beyond, Bowers & Jones has established itself as a leader in the design, manufacture, and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products. The company produces tools that facilitate the rolling of long products such as welded and seamless tubes, pipes, and complex copper extrusions. More recently, they have expanded their offerings to include rolls used in non-steel applications like electrical conduction and heating cables.
Founded in 1955, Bowers & Jones has experienced a steady growth trajectory over the past four years, with significant increases in turnover. The company is poised for further expansion, especially with new contracts secured in the USA. This growth has not gone unnoticed, as Bowers & Jones has been shortlisted for several accolades at this year’s Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, including Business of the Year and prizes for International Trade and Manufacturing & Engineering.
Managing Director Jane Sommerville expressed her enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “The new machine represents our biggest investment since we acquired the business in 2020. We have had the Doosan Puma VTR in our sights for a while, and we are excited to have reached a point where we could purchase this machine to enhance our export sales.”
She further elaborated on the company’s strategic vision, noting, “Since 2020, we have committed to purchasing one new machine each year, which will assist us in achieving our objectives of increasing productivity, reducing maintenance costs, improving efficiency, and growing capacity. As a business, we strive for innovation, excellence, and a commitment to quality. This investment in new equipment is a testament to our industry-leading expertise and dedication to our customers.”
With this significant investment, Bowers & Jones aims to solidify its position as a key player in the international metal forming industry, while continuing to expand its global footprint.