Kent Firm Plans For Growth
05/08/2013 Enginuity
New premises open doors to more jobs- firm takes on apprentices to increase workforce by 10%
An award winning manufacturing business, specialising in moulding and machining for aerospace and defence, is increasing its workforce by 10% through recruiting apprentices as it expands into new premises.
MEP Ltd will officially open into its new 12,500 sq ft factory on July 25 with its workforce of 60 – opposite the original premises on the Forstal Estate in Aylesford, Kent.
The company has worked with skills body Semta to recruit six apprentices – four of whom have just started with a fifth to begin in August when he finishes school. It is also in the process of recruiting a graduate to join the quality assurance team and has committed to recruiting at least one apprentice every year from now on.
The company has come a long way since Terry Hart started it in his garage in 1972. Son Phil bought the business in 2004, became managing director and with his team has grown its turnover to £3m.
He is looking to grow the company further with an ambitious apprenticeship programme across all areas of the business – two in manufacturing, one in each of IT, engineering, sales and quality control.
"The fact that no-one seemed to be doing apprenticeships was a barrier for me,†said Phil, "but then I realised if I didn't start a programme I would have no-one else to blame.
"We were struggling to find the right skills that we needed so I decided we had to grow our own if we are to fuel growth in the business.â€
Semta organised an open day at the factory putting 17 potential candidates through a range of aptitude tests. They then interviewed the candidates, sourced training providers and will provide on-going support to the company and the apprentices.
Mr Hart said: "If it had not been for Semta's approach and level of service we would not have gone as far as we have – they have helped us accelerate our apprenticeship programme, allowing us to focus on improving our performance which will in turn improve our customers performance, thanks to our home grown skills, lean manufacturing processes and our new premises.â€
MEP Ltd offer moulding and machining capabilities, supporting companies all over the world by delivering manufacturing excellence in plastics and metal. Its staff have a proven track record in industry and work hard to support customers from research, design, manufacturing and supply.
Dad Terry will be guest of honour at the official opening which will include a variety of family activities, including bouncy castle, children's' entertainer and a hog roast.
"We moved in at the start of the year and now we are ready to celebrate,†said Mr Hart "We have more than 100 family and friends connected with people who work for us coming to the opening as well as customers and suppliers,†said Mr Hart. "It is a very proud day for us.â€
Sarah Sillars, OBE, chief executive of Semta said: "MEP is a fantastic success story and a shining example of how investing in apprentices makes a real difference in the workplace.
"An apprentice will soon be making a significant contribution to the company. The research shows that they are likely to become a valued, loyal employee, making money and providing skills, which have been home grown.
"Employers are struggling to get the skilled people that they need and as youth unemployment remains high there has never been a better time to meet the challenges head on - as MEP has done.â€
To find out how Semta can help you contact customer services on 0845 643 9001 email us at customerservices@semta.org or visit our website www.semta.org.uk
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