Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL) is installing a £600,000 Schmutz line at its Stourbridge Road facility to expand aluminum finishing capacity. The investment adds in-house slitting and winding for thinner gauge aluminum reels supplied to customers in Wales, the EU, and the US. Commissioning is expected to finish by Mar’2026, following the company’s return to 24/7 operations in key process areas. The work also builds on molten metal filtration upgrades that reduce impurities during casting.
Adrian Musgrave, commercial director at BAL, commented; “It has been a really positive start to 2026, with export orders up, new domestic clients secured and some major advancements in capabilities well on the way to being completed.”
“This is all being achieved against a backdrop of global uncertainty and is real testimony to the long-term strategy the management team has put in place and the way our 330-strong workforce responded to a difficult time for our business in 2023.”
He continued: “Every penny we spend futureproofs our factory in Shropshire and reinforces our commitment to remaining the UK’s last remaining producer of flat rolled aluminum coils.”
“The Schmutz line has also sparked a mini recruitment drive, with a 10% increase in our finishing team that work flexibility across several of our lines.”
People play a key role in BAL’s expansion plans, reflected in the launch of an employee focus group to support engagement and retention. The group brings together staff from different ages, roles, and responsibilities and meets regularly to provide feedback on workplace issues, improvement ideas, sustainability, and community support. BAL has joined the Shropshire Investors in Community scheme run by Shropshire Community Foundation, extending its access to charities and grassroots organizations across the county.
Adrian went on to add: “We are immensely proud of our heritage, having been a part of the local landscape since the 1950s.”
“Generations of local people have been part of our past story, and we want to explore ways where the next generation can write their own chapter in our success, ensuring the local economy benefits at the same time.”
Bridgnorth Aluminum is encouraging government and private companies to recognize aluminum as a UK critical mineral linked to the country’s Net Zero transition.
About Bridgnorth Aluminum
Bridgnorth Aluminum is a UK manufacturer of flat rolled aluminum coil serving industrial customers worldwide. Founded in 1933, the company is headquartered in Shropshire, UK. It produces aluminum coil for printing, packaging, construction, automotive, transformer, and battery applications. Customers include manufacturers and material converters across Europe and other global markets. The company operates an integrated site with casting, rolling, and finishing capabilities. Its products support offset printing, foil stock, anodized building panels, automotive components, and battery materials. Bridgnorth Aluminum supplies coil products based on customer specifications and end-use requirements. The company reports sales into more than 14 international markets.