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Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger for a tour of our site. The visit allowed Alex to meet our team and learn about the significant role we play in the forging industry and the local economy. He also gained insight into our position as the largest employer in Halesowen, which is something we take immense pride in.

During his visit, Alex explored our manufacturing site, gaining an understanding of our unique operations. From the heavy forge to the light forge and machine shop, he witnessed first hand the skill, precision, and attention to detail that goes into every part we produce. Whether large or small, each part requires advanced techniques to maintain the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Our Place In The Local Community

As the largest employer in Halesowen, we play a key role in both the local economy and the wider engineering industry. Our commitment to producing high quality products, while providing employment opportunities and supporting the development of skilled workers in the region, is something we take very seriously. Alex’s visit gave us the chance to showcase how we contribute not only to the local economy but also to the ongoing growth and success of the community.

The visit also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local leaders like Alex, who play a crucial role in shaping our community’s future. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our operations and look forward to continuing our collaboration with local leaders to ensure Halesowen’s continued growth and success.

To start working with Halesowen’s leading business and contribute to your local community, get in touch with us today to discover upcoming opportunities.

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Background on the Project

The 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust, a charity established in 1997, is dedicated to restoring British railway heritage and educating the public about its importance. Their passion project involves building a new steam locomotive based on one of the twelve standardised British locomotives, with the goal of keeping it operational for another 30 years. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the last British Rail standard locomotive, adding historical significance to the project’s completion.

Project Requirements

In line with their mission to preserve British railway history, the Trust aims to use original designs and exacting standards. They required bespoke connecting rods for their locomotive, the 1000th British Rail standard locomotive, reflecting both heritage and functionality. Safety was paramount, as the connecting rods are crucial to the locomotive’s mechanical integrity and operation.

Challenges and Solutions

The Trust needed a supplier capable of both forging these custom parts and performing the machining. This integrated approach allowed for better quality control and ensured the parts met the Trust’s high standards of authenticity and safety.

One of the challenges we faced was working with outdated drawings, but we overcame this by creating updated drawings to guide the process. Leveraging our extensive experience in producing rail forge components, we were able to deliver parts that were precisely tailored to the Trust’s exact specifications.

Process Insights

Our team’s ability to forge and machine high-quality parts was crucial in advancing the project. Each production step was closely monitored to ensure the connecting rods met safety requirements, as well as the aesthetic and functional standards needed for a historical locomotive.

Impact and Outcome

Fitting of the connecting rods is planned for early this year, marking a major milestone in the Trust’s goal of creating a fully operational locomotive. This collaboration is significant for the Trust, as they depend on reliable suppliers who understand the importance of maintaining historical accuracy while delivering high-quality, durable parts.

Future Implications

Looking ahead, this partnership highlights Somers’ ability to blend heritage with innovation. Unlike other companies, we are more than willing to take on one-off custom parts and provide the engineering support needed to ensure each product is fit for purpose. The Trust’s dedication to preserving Britain’s railway history perfectly aligns with our approach, enabling future generations to experience this rich heritage. We’re proud to be a key contributor to safeguarding this legacy with precision and care.

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At Somers, family is at the heart of everything we do. As part of the 10th oldest family-run business in the UK, we are proud to continue a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations. It’s not just about the work we do; it’s about the people who’ve been part of our journey.

Peter’s Story With Somers Forge

One of our team members, Peter Hodgetts, has experienced this first-hand. Peter’s connection to Somers goes back decades:

“I started at Somers on my 16th birthday, following in my family’s footsteps,” Peter shares. “I worked here for 18 years, took a 10-year break to try something else, and then came back. It’s been 19 years since, and I’ve always loved the fast-paced, hands-on work.”

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For Peter, Somers is more than just a place to work, it’s a family affair. His grandfather was the foreman of the machine shop, and his father worked as a machinist specialising in horizontal boring.

“I remember the stories of work celebrations after big projects, like completing the Poreba machine installation,” he says. “Somers is truly a family legacy; two of my uncles worked here as well.”

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Over the years, things have certainly changed. Machines and technology have evolved, making tasks easier and more efficient.

“When I first started, it took a whole team to run the press. Now, a lot of it’s done from a cabin, which makes things a lot simpler. But the core values of Somers haven’t changed. We still focus on quality, tradition, and craftsmanship.”

Forging a Future of Craftsmanship

From our humble beginnings in blacksmithing in 1866 to becoming a leader in open die forging today, Somers continues to build on a foundation of hard work and dedication. Our values haven’t changed, and we’re excited about the future as we move forward with new technologies while still holding on to what’s made us successful for all these years.

Interested In Joining?

If you’re interested in joining the Somers family, check out our careers page for available roles. We also offer apprenticeship programmes in our maintenance and machining departments, perfect for anyone looking to start a career with us. We’d love to hear from you!

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We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone for A&B Richardson Engineering, which officially opened its new £4 million facility last week. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, alongside the Mayor of Dudley, Hilary Bills, marking an important moment not only for the company, but for the local community.

Somers Forge & A&B Richardson Engineering

Since being acquired by Somers Forge in 2022, A&B Richardson Engineering has experienced significant growth and development, solidifying its role as a leader in custom die and tool manufacturing. The new facility is a testament to this progress, equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machinery that will enable the company to continue delivering high quality products for the UK’s defence and aerospace industries.  

The Impact Of Family Run Businesses

The facility’s opening highlights the successful collaboration between A&B Richardson Engineering, Folkes Holdings, and Somers Forge, showcasing the impact of family-run businesses in shaping the region’s heavy engineering sector. This expansion will not only enhance A&B Richardson Engineering’s capabilities in producing the UK’ largest dies and critical machined components but also increase their capacity for welding development. Furthermore, it strengthens their support for Somers Forge’s operations, reinforcing our position within the defence supply chain.

Testimonials From The Event

Andy Richardson, Managing Director of A&B Richardson Engineering, said:

“The opening was a celebration of the remarkable journey A&B Richardson has experienced over the past 20 years, starting with just myself working in a 500 sq. ft unit, and growing into the UK’s leading Tool & Die Manufacturer. We look forward to the continued growth and success this new facility will bring to both our team and the local community.”

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE said:

“The scale and complexity of the parts being produced here at A&B Engineering are truly impressive. It’s an inspiring example of how family run businesses can evolve to meet national manufacturing priorities.”

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley Borough, said:

“It was a pleasure to visit A&B Richardson Engineering today and to officially open the new premises for this fantastic business.”

“A&B Richardson Engineering manufactures vital parts for Britain’s aerospace and maritime industries.”

“I was most impressed with the cutting-edge technologies that I saw today, and I think that this, once again, proves how our local businesses are at the forefront of industrial innovation.”

At Somers, we believe that nurturing new talent is essential to driving innovation and sustaining the future of our industry. That’s why we’re excited to officially welcome our newest apprentices, Joshua, Aiden and Archie to the team!

Since joining us, these three have immersed themselves in the daily operations of our maintenance and machining departments. From working with precision tools, to understanding the complexities of heavy machinery maintenance, Joshua, Aiden and Archie are approaching their roles with enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

Each apprentice brings a unique perspective to our workforce, offering fresh ideas that energise our team. Their eagerness to grow and hands-on approach to every task aligns perfectly with the values we hold in our apprenticeship program.

Our Apprenticeship Program

Our four-year apprenticeship programme is designed to provide in-depth training, equipping apprentices with both mechanical and electrical maintenance skills. In their first year, the apprentices will attend Worcester College, where they’ll develop a solid academic foundation. As they progress through the programme, they’ll gain an industry recognised qualification, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and collaborate on real-world projects that will enhance their expertise and confidence.  

‘We take great pride in our apprenticeship programme’ says Alex Cross, General Manager, who himself began his journey here as a graduate. ‘It’s all about investing in the future of the company by equipping young talent with the skills and mentorship they need to thrive. Watching our apprentices immerse themselves in their roles and grow alongside our team is truly rewarding. Their energy and dedication remind me of my own early days, and I’m confident they’ll play a key role in shaping our future.’

If you, or someone you know, is interested in pursuing an apprenticeship with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We are always looking for passionate individuals eager to contribute to our growing team.