Birmingham precision engineering firm brings in 30-year industry veteran to grow presence in France, Germany and Spain

One of the UK’s leading metal stamping experts is targeting £2.5m of new European business after appointing a multilingual technical specialist to strengthen its presence on the ground across the EU.

Brandauer, which supplies precision components to more than 15 high-value sectors and holds King’s Awards for Innovation and International Trade, has brought in Jürgen Wollbold to develop opportunities in France, Germany and Spain.

The industry veteran has more than 30 years’ experience in the automotive and medical sectors, with expertise spanning new product development, stamping and tooling.

Defying market trends

Chief executive Rowan Crozier said: “We are defying current market trends by actively going out and securing new opportunities in Europe, proving that UK companies can be competitive against rivals in France, Germany and Spain. About £1m of orders are currently shipped to the EU annually and we believe we can almost treble that over the next twelve months.”

Wollbold, who has held senior roles at Forvia, Septodont, Centrotec and VMI Industries, said: “Just a few weeks in and I’m already adding value by helping customers clarify technical requirements earlier, improve communication and create a more efficient path from first contact.”

He added: “We have identified £5m of new opportunities across the EU and I feel it is more than reasonable to believe we can convert at least half of these.”

Wollbold will make his Brandauer debut at Micronora in France at the end of September, the first time the company has exhibited at the microtechnology trade fair.