Mike Davies, Chairman, and Lawrence Davies, CEO, of The Automotive Investment Organisation, AIO, met with representatives of the castings industry earlier this week to discuss areas of mutual interest and ways in which the Cast Metals Federation, working with its industry members, can further support UK foundries with access to funding and support. The AIO is now part of the Department of International Trade (DIT) and also reports directly into the Automotive Council.
Recognising that there are opportunities for UK industry through reshoring, the AIO seeks to support direct investment into the UK as well as increasing the level of exporting by UK manufacturers, through its ‘Great’ Initiative for Export. Since its inception, the AIO has helped to achieve an increase in the UK manufactured content of UK built cars and helped 25 new plants to be built in the automotive supply chain, alongside a significant increase in high value jobs.
Speaking about the meeting, Pam Murrell of The Cast Metals Federation said, “We recognise that our Member’s products are a vital part of the automotive supply chain, and we are always looking for opportunities to open doors for the UK foundries and diecasters to help them reach new customers or increase market share. We have already committed to exhibit at Automechanika at the NEC in Birmingham this June and look forward to working with AIO to assist our members access the support and information that is available”.
