We are pleased to announce that Somers Forge will be sponsoring AFC Somers for the upcoming 2025/26 football season! This exciting sponsorship follows a strong year for the team, who were crowned Division One champions in the West Midlands Regional League.
It’s been a brilliant year for the club, who were crowned Division One champions in their debut season in the West Midlands Regional League — an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about the energy, teamwork, and determination behind the squad. The team hope to replicate this success with back-to-back promotions and the ambition to reach the pro leagues.
Our connection with AFC Somers goes beyond just the name. The club originally played on the Somers fields in Halesowen, which were once owned by Somers Forge. That shared history makes this partnership feel extra special.
Following on from last year’s success, this season the team is starting a new chapter at Garden Walk Stadium, and we’re proud to be part of their journey. Their success reflects the hard work, organisation, and team spirit they showed throughout the campaign. Achieving such a remarkable result in a challenging league requires more than just talent. It takes leadership, consistency, and commitment. We’re proud to support a club that consistently demonstrates those values both on and off the pitch.
What It Means For Us
For us, supporting AFC Somers is also about giving back, investing in the local community that we operate in. We believe that local sport plays a huge role and is a vital part of community life, bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of pride and belonging.
We will be following the team closely this season and cheering them on as they take on the next division. Wishing everyone at the club, the players, coaches and supporters, the very best for a fantastic year ahead!
To keep up with the campaign including match fixtures and results, you can follow the team on X: @AfcSomers
The mechanism required to generate thrust for a boat or ship to move through water is called a propulsion shaft. It is made up of the following main parts: main engine, gearbox, marine shaft and propeller.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of heightened propulsion shaft power in the reduction of noise, which has led to a higher importance being placed on more efficient shaft design. The main component used for a propulsion shaft is a propeller shaft. The thrust action on the shaft is a result of the pushing motion generated by a propeller.
Most ships have a main thrust block located at the forward end of the main shaft. The shaft line incorporates all the components including tail shaft, intermediate shaft, thrust shaft, flange coupling, gearbox, engine components and also includes bearings that hold the alignment of the shaft and these include spring, stern tube and strut bearings.
The main reduction gear connects the prime mover to the shaft and its primary function is to reduce the high rotational speed of the engine, so that propellers operate at a lower speed. Here at Somers Forge, we’re global leaders in the supply of propulsion shafts for the marine industry. We use the latest forging techniques and mechanistic innovations to produce shafts and other parts for propulsion shafts of the highest quality.
We can manufacture propeller shafts in a number of sizes up to lengths of 23 metres, dependent on the application they are required for. We can supply marine propulsion components for super yachts, cruise ships, submarines, naval ships and patrol vessels. Most commonly we produce shafts using C45, 34CrNiMo6, stainless steel and inconel but can offer any material a customer requires. Offering both shaft forging and finished machining if required.
The shaft can be subjected to a number of loading types during use, including torque moment, bending moment, axle thrust force and transverse load. The risk of failure to the system can be increased by weather and sea conditions due to the fact they have a direct effect on the wear, tear and life time of a propulsion shaft.
To enhance the durability and performance of our marine shafts, Somers Forge has developed advanced techniques and coatings. Our proprietary Glass Reinforced Coating, Somplas, offers superior protection against corrosion and impact.
This coating has been rigorously tested and approved by DNV, ABS, and Lloyds, ensuring it meets the highest industry standards. In addition to corrosion protection, Somplas is REACH compliant, providing an environmentally friendly option for marine shaft coatings.
Weld Cladding foe Extended Propeller Shaft Life
Recognising the need for extended shaft life in demanding marine environments, Somers Forge has invested in weld cladding technology. This process enhances protection against seawater corrosion, significantly extending the life of both stainless steel and nickel-based alloy shafts.
With ABS approval, Somers Forge is the first UK forge to offer this service, bolstering the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Refurbishment of Propeller Shafts
Do you require a refurbishment of a marine shaft? Here at Somers Forge, we offer a class approved procedure for the refurbishment of all types of shafts which we have developed in-house. Returning shafts to a as ‘new’ condition, with refurbished shafts then able to last for a further 12 years depending on the water environment. Saving you time, money and reducing the lifecycle analysis impact.
Our Marine Forgings
Somers Forge has been a top provider of forged goods for the marine sector since our humble beginnings. We received what was known as Admiralty Approval for the provision of propulsion shafting and other related marine forgings back in 1912.
In addition to manufacturing and refurbishment, Somers Forge offers comprehensive support and services for marine shafts. Our experts are available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the entire process, from material selection to final installation. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products tailored to their specific needs.
Contact Somers Forge Today
If you are in need of forged propeller shafts or a refurbishment of a propulsion shaft, contact Somers Forge today on 0121 585 5959 or fill out our contact form below and one of our experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
Local Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris Visit’s Somers Forge after the recent rebrand.
James Morris was given a tour of our huge site including both the heavy forge and machine shop. He witnessed the mammoth 4,000 tonne hydraulic press forging 20 tonne 410 stainless ingot. This year alone we have invested 2million on upgrades to our presses and continued to install new equipment to the machine shop.
James Morris said “Somers has been an important Halesowen manufacturing company for over 150 years, they not only play an important part in our local community, but are a world leading forging business with a global reach. The work that Somers do is instrumental to the defence supply chain and it was to see first hand the work they do. Forging, although still using many traditional methods, has changed a lot over the decades and Somers continues to be at the cutting edge of innovation”
Our Managing Director Samson Folkes spoke to Sky News economics editor Ed Conway, ahead of Donald Trump visit to the UK. They covered everything from Somers Steel USA and our continuous investment in the industry.
In 1994 we manufactured the largest rock breaking chisel in the world (at that time). It must be seen in person to appreciate, the size and quality of the chisel which is still in regular service to today! The chisel was manufactured for Sum Cheona Group based in Singapore, to be used for breaking rock on the sea bed prior to pilling bridge supports in the South East Asian seas.
With an initial weight of 34 tonnes, the finished machined 25 tonne component was shipped to Singapore within 8 weeks of the receipt of the customers order.
