Zincast receives ARP funding

Zincast Foundry, a die-casting firm in the West Midlands, has secured a major contract after receiving funding from the Automotive Response Programme (ARP).

The group used a £17,000 grant from the ARP to finance the use of new processes on the shop floor that improved efficiency and reduced costs.

The group was also able to look at diversification through the testing of magnesium casting, which it claims provides a number of weight-saving advantages compared to existing methods.

The group said that the ARP funding speeded up the magnesium feasibility study resulting in an £800,000 contract to supply belt sander parts and safety covers for Telford-based power tool manufacturer, Makita.

The contract has led to the creation of six new positions at the company with further plans to maximise sales as a result of the weak pound by bringing international business back to the UK.

Ian Austin, West Midlands Taskforce chair and regional minister, said: ‘This funding package is already making a difference to more than 100 companies in the West Midlands and Zincast is a prime example of the business and economic benefits that can be achieved. Through the Taskforce we have listened to the industry and responded with this tailored programme of support, which I know is providing vital support to the automotive supply chain in these stormy times.’