Midlands manufacturer scoops award after achieving the 'impossible'

Midlands manufacturer Sarginsons Industries have landed a prestigious award for its work on a project with an international automotive company.

The lightweight castings business, in Coventry, picked up the Cast Metals Federation’s Component of the Year at the Casting Industry Achievement Awards 2018.

It was awarded the prize for its innovative work on a front sub-frame for the Jaguar Land Rover L551 21MY for its prototype launch.

Sarginsons was asked to create the part from single piece aluminium frame – something which had never been done before and many in the industry felt was impossible.

Not only that, the Coventry firm had just 12 weeks to deliver 250 components, commencing six weeks from receipt of the 3D CAD model.

Sarginsons used the very latest software and sandblasting technology and worked with partners at Alphateq and Midland Alloy to create the sub-frame.

There were a variety of complexities to consider around the strength and safety of the component in order to meet roadworthy standards, despite it being a prototype vehicle.

And after just a few weeks of working on the project, Sarginsons delivered the ‘impossible’ and helped to ensure the prototype of the L551 21MY was ready for its launch with its single piece aluminium sub-frame.

Kevin Brierley, Sarginsons Technical Manager, who led the programme and received the award on the night, said: “We are so pleased to pick up this award as it is recognition that we are at the cutting-edge of lightweighting technology and that we push the boundaries on behalf of clients.

“The fact that others had deemed this particular component as, almost, a mission impossible but we managed to find a way to deliver what JLR wanted is testament to the team here and some of the partners we work with in the supply chain.

“I am delighted for everyone involved that we have been recognised in this way and would like to thank the judges and all those from the Cast Metals Federation for this fantastic award.”