A West Midlands engineering firm is celebrating a new contract worth £150k after receiving help from Green Bridge Funding. Pemberton Engineering, who design and manufacture press tools, were able to invest in a new Hurco CNC machine and create two new jobs.
The Green Bridge Supply Chain Programme will run over the next two years and support businesses who want to grow. To gain funding the business must demonstrate there will also be an environmental benefit. In Pembertons case they were able reduce their energy bills, increase productivity and increase efficiency.
The fund offers help investing in new equipment, relocation or expansion into new premises and improvements in systems or processes.
Darren Pemberton, Operations director said, The contract win was especially pleasing as we know that this type of work has previously been quoted from China. We were able to show how competitive we are worldwide.
He added, Our business is able to compete on more than price, we are also able to help clients with ideas on how the project can be developed in a more efficient way, also the responsive positive service we offer to all of our customers is key.
Darren is an engineering graduate who joined his fathers business and eventually became the Operations director after working every job in the business. Darren said, Toolmaking is a highly skilled career and its important that we keep these skills in the Midlands for future generations.
New jobs
Pemberton has created two new roles following investment, one of whom is an apprentice from Walsall Academy. In a reverse of the traditional apprenticeship, the young engineer, who is in his final year goes to school four times a week and then works in Pemberton on the fifth day.
Darren said this is a really good way for young people to experience the workplace and I was impressed with Walsall Academys innovative approach.