Author: Yve Parker

In an exciting development, Erodex Group, the United Kingdom’s foremost experts in designing and manufacturing graphite electrodes, tooling, and fixtures, has recently onboarded two promising apprentices. These young talents are set to join Erodex’s cutting-edge graphite machining facility, based in Wednesbury, West Midlands.

Erodex’s state-of-the-art machining facility boasts over 35 years of expertise, making it well-equipped to transform various graphite grades into intricate components serving a diverse range of industries.

Meet the New Apprentices:

• Jack Needs is embarking on his apprenticeship journey as a CNC Machinist.
• Kane Howl has joined the team as an Apprentice Grinder.

Both apprentices are committed to a comprehensive learning plan, combining on-the-job training at Erodexs’ machining facility with structured off-site learning at Make UK Apprenticeships and Training in Aston, Birmingham.

Director James Kirk expressed his pride in providing young, talented individuals with a launching pad for their engineering careers. He emphasised the importance of nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals, especially given the high precision and demanding nature of Erodex’s engineering work.

Kirk stated, “As with most engineering firms across the country, we see a shortage of skilled, time-served individuals that fit our profile, and we therefore accept that it is our responsibility to develop our own talent. We commit a significant amount of time to training our apprentices on the job and look forward to seeing them progress within the company.”

He added, “There will be opportunities for these individuals to grow within the business moving forward as we help them to develop the required skills. Everybody at the Erodex Group wishes them the best moving forward, and I am sure that they will all continue to enjoy successful careers with us.”

January 2023 marked the relaunch of Erodex’s Apprenticeship Scheme, with external consultancy support from Next Gen Makers to ensure it remains at the forefront of best practice in the industry. The company is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for its apprentices and is actively pursuing accreditation for the Make UK Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark through Next Gen Makers. This prestigious recognition highlights Erodex as an excellent employer of engineering apprentices in the UK.

Erodex is committed to attracting the next generation to its apprenticeship opportunities through innovative methods, including virtual reality outreach sessions for local college students. In the coming years, Erodex will offer apprenticeships starting at level 3 in various disciplines, including Engineering Technicians, across different departments within the business.

Erodex’s machining facility continues to be a driving force behind the significant growth experienced by the Erodex Group in recent years. The company has invested over £2 million in new machinery as part of its ongoing continuous improvement program. Founded in 1973, the Erodex Group recently celebrated its fifty-year milestone in business. It now employs 90 skilled individuals across two sites in the West Midlands, with its headquarters in Halesowen and a state-of-the-art machining facility in Wednesbury.

ENDS.

Today, aviation enthusiasts and industry leaders across the United Kingdom unite to celebrate National Aviation Day, a special occasion that pays tribute to the remarkable achievements and advancements in the world of flight. As a leading aerospace player in the UK, Erodex takes this opportunity to reflect on our significant contributions to the aerospace sector and our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Fuelling the Future of Aerospace:

At Erodex, we recognize the pivotal role that aerospace plays in shaping the modern world. From revolutionising travel to advancing scientific exploration, the aerospace industry continuously redefines possibilities. As a trusted partner to numerous aerospace companies in the UK, Erodex takes immense pride in providing cutting-edge solutions that elevate the industry’s performance and reliability.

Precision Engineering for Aerospace Excellence:

Precision engineering is at the heart of our commitment to aerospace excellence. From crafting high-performance graphite components to offering innovative solutions for EDM wire and machining, we empower our clients in the UK to soar above the competition. The aerospace industry demands nothing short of perfection, and we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality materials and services to meet those demands.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

Aerospace innovation thrives on collaboration, and Erodex thrives on fostering partnerships with industry leaders. We work closely with our clients to co-create tailored solutions that address their specific challenges and requirements. Together, we drive the aerospace industry forward, propelling the sector to new heights of performance and efficiency.

Inspiring the Aerospace Visionaries of Tomorrow:

On National Aviation Day, we celebrate the past, present, and future of aerospace. We take pride in nurturing the aspirations of young aerospace enthusiasts in the UK and inspiring the visionaries of tomorrow. Through educational initiatives, partnerships with schools, and support for STEM programs in the UK, we aim to ignite curiosity and passion for aerospace exploration among the leaders of the future.

A Flight to Remember:

As we celebrate National Aviation Day, we extend our gratitude to all the pioneers, engineers, and visionaries who have made aerospace advancements possible. Their dedication has redefined human achievement and transformed the way we experience the world.

Join the Journey:

At Erodex in the UK, we embrace National Aviation Day as an opportunity to reflect on our aerospace journey and our vision for the future. We invite you to be part of this journey, as we continue to elevate aerospace capabilities through precision engineering, sustainable solutions, and collaborative partnerships.

Let’s soar together, taking aerospace in the UK to new horizons, and shaping a future that defies limits and captures the imagination.

#NationalAviationDay #AerospaceInnovation #ErodexInAerospace #PrecisionEngineering #SustainableSolutions #CollaborativePartnerships #InspiringTheFuture

Introduction:

With a clear vision for excellence in graphite machining, Gary Smith, Director of Engineering at Erodex UK, is laying the groundwork for real change in the coming months. In this follow-up article, we’ll provide an update on Gary’s progress to date and how his initiatives are shaping the future of our organisation.

Settling In and Embracing the Team:

Gary has seamlessly integrated into the Erodex family, receiving a warm welcome from our dedicated teams at both Darlaston and Halesowen locations. His collaborative approach and leadership style have fostered a sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm, driving everyone forward.

Focus on Quality, Standardisation, and Performance:

Since his arrival, Gary’s focus has centred around improving quality, standardisation, and production performance. He’s been dedicated to creating new external and internal quality metrics, which are vital in driving a culture of continuous improvement. These metrics have already identified numerous opportunities for enhancing our processes, ensuring our customers receive only the best.

Driving Productivity through Standardisation:

A core aspect of Gary’s strategy involves reducing variation through standardisation. By streamlining processes and practices, we’re witnessing impressive improvements in productivity, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.

Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology:

To stay at the forefront of graphite machining, Gary and the team have been wholeheartedly embracing the latest CNC machines and tooling practices. These technological advancements not only boost productivity but also expand our capabilities, allowing us to offer our customers even more innovative solutions.

Aiming for Process Maturity during Growth:

Looking ahead, Gary’s long-term vision involves developing our operations to achieve process maturity during this critical period of growth. This focus on process improvement will enable us to maintain our world-class status for machining graphite and EDM products.

Inspired by Our Industry Leadership:

Gary is energised by Erodex’s exceptional position in the industry. He remarks, “It’s amazing to witness this small family-owned business in the heart of the West Midlands setting the benchmark for graphite machining and EDM solutions worldwide. I am thrilled to be part of its next phase of growth.”

Onward Journey:

Gary Smith’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving excellence in graphite machining at Erodex UK. As we continue to embrace innovation and maintain our commitment to excellence, we are confident in our ability to remain at the forefront of the industry, providing unparalleled graphite machining and EDM solutions to our valued customers worldwide. We look forward to the future and the positive impact Gary will continue to make on our journey towards success.