A&B Richardson Engineering, one of our engineering companies which specialises in custom die and tool manufacturing, has officially opened its new £4 million facility. The opening ceremony, led by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Mayor of Dudley, Hilary Bills, marked a significant achievement for the company and the local community.
Since being acquired by Somers Forge in 2022, A&B Richardson Engineering has experienced notable growth, further solidifying its leadership in the manufacturing sector.
The new facility, featuring state-of-the-art CNC machinery, highlights the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the UK defence and aerospace industries. In his speech, the Lord Lieutenant praised the collaboration between A&B Richardson Engineering, Somers Forge, and Folkes Holdings, celebrating the rich heritage and strength of family-run businesses in the region’s heavy engineering sector.
The expanded facility will allow the company to continue producing the UK’s largest dies and complex components, while exploring new areas such as welding development capabilities. This growth enhances the company’s ability to support Somers Forge’s operations and strengthens its position within the defence supply chain.
The Lord Lieutenant and Mayor also visited Somers Forge heavy forge, to see where the raw material is processed.
Andy Richardson, Managing Director of A&B Richardson Engineering, said:
“The opening was a celebration of the remarkable journey A&B Richardson has experienced over the past 20 years, starting with just myself working in a 500 sq ft unit, and growing into the Uk’s leading Tool & Die Manufacturer. We look forward to the continued growth and success this new facility will bring to both our team and the local community.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE said:
The scale and complexity of the parts being produced here at A&B Engineering are truly impressive. Its an inspiring example of how family run businesses can evolve to meet national manufacturing priorities.
Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley Borough, said:
“It was a pleasure to visit A&B Richardson Engineering today and to officially open the new premises for this fantastic business. A&B Richardson Engineering manufactures vital parts for Britain’s aerospace and maritime industries. I was most impressed with the cutting-edge technologies that I saw today, and I think that this, once again, proves how our local businesses are at the forefront of industrial innovation.”
