Titanium Metals: investing in efficiency, safety and growth

Titanium Metals UK Ltd is a UK and Europe-wide supplier of titanium raw materials for the industrial, petrochemical, precision engineering and metal finishing industries. The company stocks a wide range of materials including bars, sheets, plates, tubes, wire, mesh and fasteners, offering full traceability from ISO-certified mills. Employing nine staff and generating an annual turnover of around £2.41 million, the business has been trading for over 20 years and moved into its current premises in West Bromwich five years ago.

How we helped

Through the recent West Midlands SME Grant Programme, Titanium Metals received funding that contributed 50 percent towards an investment of £38,630.50 to improve its operations. The grant supported the replacement of the company’s ageing bar saw, as well as the installation of safe access equipment including a new forklift truck and access cage to lift raw materials and carry out maintenance.

The grant also enabled the business to complete and secure their mezzanine floor so that previously unused space could be safely accessed and used. Additionally, the programme included support to review the performance of the bar saw and the layout of the warehouse to help the business plan operational improvements and prepare for future growth while addressing health and safety requirements.

What Titanium Metals say

Steve Poole, Operations Manager at Titanium Metals, said: “Our business needed to bring itself in line with current requirements and regulations, which, when we analysed what was required, seemed somewhat daunting in the current climate. The grant made the decision to invest a very straightforward one. 

“We have already seen the benefits of the additions to our operations. The new saw has reduced our lead times considerably and the new lift truck has provided a safe and green alternative to our original gas powered one.

“This has allowed us to conduct effective maintenance within the building, which has helped enormously. The upper mezzanine floor area was underused mainly due to the access to the level, but we have now started to re-organise our premises and utilise the floor space more effectively. Access is now simple and safe for all our staff.

“We would like to extend thanks to all involved with Business Growth West Midlands and Sandwell Council for their consideration of the improvement programme. Particular thanks go to Helen Peach who visited the site and understood our needs, as well as providing support throughout the application process.”

What Sandwell Council says

Alan Lunt, Sandwell Council’s Executive Director of Place, said: “Titanium Metals are a forward-thinking company with ambitious plans to improve their operations, increase their capacity and widen their long-served customer base. 

“Their original floor plan was restrictive and included a mezzanine floor that was incomplete and could not be used. By completing and securing this space, the business has been able to solve its capacity problem, which has been fantastic to see. 

“The company are also very health and safety conscious and needed a greener forklift truck and access cage to support staff and operations. The support they received has strengthened their position within the sector by improving lead-times, finished product quality, and creating a safer, more effective working environment. It has been a pleasure to see a local business thrive, taking positive steps to continue Sandwell’s proud manufacturing heritage while planning for future growth.”

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