Winbro has won contracts estimated to be worth £88million since starting on the government-backed Sharing in Growth (SiG) programme nine months ago. The company joined SiG in October 2014 because it wanted to grow its order book, improve operational efficiencies and develop its workforce.
Since then SiG engineers and business gurus have used their expertise to train staff and drive productivity improvements. This has enabled Winbro to win new contracts, maintain 170 jobs and create a dozen more. The company is also expanding its Advanced Manufacturing division into a 28,000ft2 facility in Shepshed near Loughborough.
Winbro Director Andy Lawson said: "SiG has allowed us to break through to the next level. While we have invested in new equipment and facilities, we did not have the wherewithal or know-how to invest in our people development at the same pace. The SiG programme is underpinning our growth, upskilling our people and making this growth sustainable over the long term."
The government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF) which, alongside industry, pays for the SiG programme has so far contributed £314,000 to Winbro with a further £223,455 being invested by the company itself. Winbro Group will receive a total of £1.51m from the RGF over the course of the project.
Business Minister Anna Soubry said: "Our long-term economic plan for the Midlands is to make it the engine for growth in the UK. Growth in advanced manufacturing and the skilled jobs it provides is a key part of that plan which is why I'm delighted our partnership with Winbro is producing such great results."
