Brandauer has redirected more than £50,000 in energy-cost savings into an automated assembly line and expanded wire EDM capability after Greenfields Energy reviewed its utility contracts, supply capacity and charging arrangements. The investment gives Brandauer additional capacity to support new orders from the UK, the EU, China and the Middle East.
Greenfields Energy moved Brandauer from a flexible electricity deal to a two-year fixed contract, reducing its electricity price by 6%. The contract gave the management team clearer cost visibility and reduced exposure to market volatility that followed this year.
Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, commented: “Energy has grown to become one of our biggest costs as we embrace more automation and technology – this means we must be smart in how we access the most competitive and reliable gas and electricity prices.”
“For a manufacturer dealing with so many day-to-day issues and customer requirements, this can be a complex and frustrating challenge. That’s why we called in Greenfields Energy, who we knew had a strong working relationship with industry.”
He continued: “Liam and his team immediately put us at ease, working with the team to explore our current situation and any pain points we were experiencing. They then used their knowledge of the market to suggest the best agreements.”
“In our case, we were just completing the MBO so needed security of supply and at a rate that allowed us to plan for the next two years, so we could commit to investments that make a real difference to our business.”
The audit also checked whether Brandauer’s Agreed Supply Capacity Levels matched its short- and medium-term growth plans after last year’s MBO. A Targeted Charging Review banding analysis removed £36k in unnecessary charges, while a lower-cost gas agreement cut gas costs by nearly a fifth.
“We’re on course to hit £12m in revenue by the end of 2027 with lots of exciting opportunities in laminations, wire EDM work and specialist tooling projects for new markets,” added Rowan.
“To be able to make the most of this, we have to be on top of energy costs and I believe we’re now in that position – mainly thanks to the advice and ongoing support from Greenfields.”
Greenfields Energy Group provides procurement consultancy for electricity, gas and water. The company also signed a deal to support Black Country Chamber of Commerce members. Its Energy Bureau Service handles utility bill validation, consumption reporting, administration, analysis and reporting for businesses managing energy contracts.
Liam Conway, co-founder of Greenfields Energy Group, added his support: “We currently work with over 150 manufacturing businesses across the country, acting as an extension to their core management teams and delivering the very best, impartial energy advice.”
“Brandauer is the perfect example of how, through listening closely and providing clear guidance, we have delivered a sustainable solution to its energy requirements and savings that have gone into making the business even stronger.”
“Rowan and his team can plan for expansion with real certainty that there will be no nasty energy surprises, investing more into technology and recruiting the next generation of precision engineers.”
Source: Brandauer
About Brandauer
Brandauer is a precision metal stamping and tooling company based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Founded in 1862, it manufactures custom stamped metal components and tooling for global customers. The company supplies parts for automotive, electronics, industrial, and engineered product markets. Its customers include original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers that require high-precision components. Brandauer provides services that include design support, prototyping, in-house toolmaking, precision stamping, and component logistics. Manufacturing, tooling, and engineering operations are centralized at its Birmingham facility. Brandauer also takes part in workforce development and tooling skills initiatives.
About Greenfields Energy
Greenfields Energy Group Limited is a UK energy consultancy that helps businesses manage electricity, gas and water contracts. The company provides energy procurement, risk advice, invoice checks, consumption monitoring, supplier dispute support and budget forecasting. It works with corporate clients, trade associations, chamber networks, manufacturers and other UK businesses with energy purchasing needs. Greenfields Energy Group was incorporated Aug. 1, 2023. Its registered office is in Derby, UK. Liam Conway and Rich Clark founded the company after working in the energy sector. The company reports 170 clients.