Acquisition allows Somers Forge to triple its CNC machining capacity
Wednesday, 1st June 2022
Somers Forge the UK’s leading open die forge has acquired A&B Richardson Engineering, based in Oldbury. The company which is best known for being a tool and die manufacturer, has continually invested in a variety of CNC machines and CAD design capabilities.
The acquisition of the machine shop is part of the Somers Forge long term strategy to expand machining capacity and capabilities after seeing increased demand for finished components.
The established machining facility and long-serving experienced machinists provides immediate capacity for fulfilling the recent order book growth. A&B Richardson has been a trusted sub-contract machining facility, used by Somers Forge for many years.
Alex Cross, Production Director – “Last year we made a million-pound investment on a new CNC vertical boring machine which will help us to manage capacity for that range of product. We also recognised the need for greater capacity with CNC milling so the acquisition of A&B Richardson was the perfect solution.
The purchase has tripled our CNC machining capacity and further enhanced our capabilities, allowing us to continue to offer competitive lead times and products of the highest quality’’.
A&B Richardson Engineering will continue to operate under the same name.
About Somers Forge
Somers Forge is a leading UK-based manufacturer specialising in high-quality, precision-forged components for a variety of industries, including aerospace, marine, defense, energy, and rail. Located in Halesowen, West Midlands, Somers Forge has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the late 1800s. Over the years, the company has evolved into a world-renowned forge, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, technological innovation, and commitment to quality.
Somers Forge offers a comprehensive range of forging services, from open die forging to closed die forging, catering to both small and large-scale projects. Their state-of-the-art facility includes some of the most powerful open-die hydraulic presses and hammers in Europe, allowing them to produce highly customised components up to 100 tonnes in weight. With an extensive array of machining capabilities, heat treatment facilities, and rigorous testing procedures, Somers Forge ensures that each component meets the exacting standards of its clients.
One of the company’s specialties is its ability to work with an extensive variety of metals and alloys, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, aluminum, and titanium. This versatility allows the company to produce components that meet the unique demands of high-stress applications, such as marine shafts, aerospace landing gears, and defense artillery. Their marine-grade materials, in particular, are forged to withstand corrosive environments and the stresses of offshore and subsea applications, making Somers Forge a trusted supplier in the global maritime industry.
Quality is central to the companies operations. The company operates under ISO 9001 and AS 9100 standards, reflecting its dedication to delivering superior-quality products. Their in-house testing facilities conduct non-destructive and destructive testing to verify each component’s integrity, durability, and performance. The rigorous quality control process helps Somers Forge maintain a reputation for reliability and precision in critical industries where safety and performance are paramount.
In addition to its technical capabilities, Somers Forge prides itself on its customer-centric approach, providing end-to-end support to clients. From initial design consultation to final delivery, their experienced team works closely with clients to ensure that each project is tailored to exact specifications. This collaborative approach allows Somers Forge to deliver innovative and effective solutions for highly specialised applications.
With over a century of expertise in forging and a commitment to excellence, Somers Forge continues to set industry standards in the UK and worldwide. The company’s unique blend of tradition and innovation has made it a trusted partner for industries that demand high-performance, precision-forged components.
