Midland Deburr Champions Investment in Midlands Manufacturing Future

Black Country based surface finishing specialists Midland Deburr has thrown its weight behind the newly launched £15 million West Midlands Supply Chain Transition programme, hailing it as a “watershed moment” for the region’s manufacturing and automotive supply chain.

The long-established firm, known for its expertise in vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing, and vapour degreasing, believes the initiative will play a vital role in preparing local SMEs for the demands of high-tech industries, including electric vehicles (EV), battery tech, and clean energy manufacturing.

Speaking in response to the funding announcement, Chris Arrowsmith, Managing Director of Midland Deburr, said:

“This is a pivotal step forward for Midlands manufacturing. We have decades of heritage in precision metal finishing — a capability that’s absolutely critical for high-performance EV components and clean-tech systems. The Supply Chain Transition programme opens doors for innovation and upskilling, and gives businesses like ours the confidence to invest and grow.”

Founded in Lye Stourbridge, Midland Deburr has carved out a niche in metal finishing processes that are essential to the automotive and EV industries, where microscopic precision and surface cleanliness are paramount. The company serves a growing number of tier-one suppliers and OEMs, providing finishing solutions for battery enclosures, electric motor components, and precision drivetrain parts.

Arrowsmith added:

“As EV manufacturing ramps up across the region, the importance of component quality and cleanliness cannot be overstated. Our specialist deburring and degreasing processes ensure that parts meet the strict standards of today’s electric powertrains. With this new wave of investment, we’re not just ready to keep pace — we’re ready to lead.”

The West Midlands Investment Zone, led by Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is designed to accelerate the region’s transformation into a global centre for advanced manufacturing. The £15 million Supply Chain Transition programme will provide SMEs with R&D grant access, expert training, and direct business support.

With three key anchor sites — Coventry-Warwick Gigapark, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor — the programme is expected to create over 30,000 jobs and attract £5.5 billion in private investment.

Arrowsmith sees particular opportunity for collaboration with new entrants to the battery and clean-tech markets:

“Whether it’s e-mobility, aerospace, or medical tech, every high-performance industry depends on reliable, precision-finished components. As Midlands manufacturing shifts to high-growth sectors, we’re ready to support that transformation with the technical expertise and capacity the region needs.”

Midland Deburr is already exploring ways to expand its in-house R&D to align with decarbonisation targets and new surface treatment technologies, and is expected to engage with partners in the Supply Smarter West Midlands consortium, which includes the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and WMG at University of Warwick.

As part of the transition programme, participating businesses will benefit from leadership development, innovation support, and routes into digital transformation — tools that Arrowsmith says are essential for ensuring Midlands SMEs remain globally competitive.

“This is a vote of confidence in our sector — and a call to action. Midland Deburr is proud to be part of a region that’s embracing change and engineering the future.”