A WORCESTERSHIRE engineering firm has relocated to a larger site and made substantial investments as it looks to move with the economic upturn.

AE Oscroft & Sons Ltd has invested in more than of £2m in the family owned business and in doing so re-sited from an 18,000 sq ft property in Pipers Road, to a 53,500 sq ft property in Heming Road, Redditch. To further enhance the tool room capabilities AEO invested a further £300k in state-of-the-art equipment, including a new Sodick CNC Wire-cut EDM and a Haas 3D vertical machining centre, enabling it to process and manufacture tooling more accurately and efficiently.

Managing director Chris Oscroft said: “One of the most important aspects of the expansion of the tool room is the additional staff required to help us grow further. We want to further invest in the young people of this country, enhancing their skills through training and apprenticeship schemes for future manufacturing. Our growth demonstrates our commitment to our customers, employees and community. We have focused on developing our business skills and to cater for all their needs."

Charles Addison, chief operating officer at Made in the Midlands added: "AEO's investment signals a real return to confidence, not just for them but for manufacturing as a whole. Their continued growth, first class commitment to their customer base and the nurture of fresh talent all bodes well for the future."

The business, established in 1947, has future plans to expand its facilities, enabling it to take on larger projects to position and establish itself as a leading provider of presswork, assemblies and press tools.