Redcar automotive company kickstarts plan to grow business by 2020

A North East global automotive supplier has kickstarted the next phase of a growth plan with the extension of a training scheme to upskill its workforce.

In 2016, Redcar-based ElringKlinger announced it was making a significant investment in a training programme for its staff - part of a strategy to double the size of the business by 2020.

Delivered in partnership by Gateshead College and Amacus, the programme includes leadership and management training, Performing Manufacturing Operations (PMO) apprenticeships and training to develop and upskill senior operatives.

The company aims to be committed to upskilling the current workforce and continuing to recruit skilled operatives who can serve a pipeline of new work, including a £5m contract to build catalyst and exhaust heat shields for car giant Ford’s latest engines.

Ian Malcolm, managing director at ElringKlinger, said: “It’s great to be working with Amacus and Gateshead College on this large-scale, company-wide training programme.

“Developing talent is crucial to our expansion and includes the upskilling of existing staff and recruitment of new people with the right aptitudes and knowledge of our industry.

“Last year we grew annual revenues to more than £30m and, as new work comes in, we need to ensure we have the skills to complete it to our usual high standard. The training programme enables us to achieve this.”

Christine Hall, managing director at Amacus, a specialist in leadership and management training, added: “We have a strong track record in helping businesses such as ElringKlinger build their skills base so they can remain productive and competitive.

“It’s encouraging to see so many businesses value skills development and both Amacus and Gateshead College are playing a major role in helping key industry sectors improve.”

Formed in 2003, Amacus is a subsidiary of Gateshead College and operates throughout the North East with offices in Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough and Stockton.

Working in partnership with Gateshead College, it enables both organisations to aim to provide a strong training offer to dozens of employers across the region.

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