Case Studies

Stokes Forgings

Stokes Forgings is one of the largest automotive forgings groups in the UK. As part of its ongoing development, the Walsall-based manufacturer completed a £1.4 million capital investment including two additional press lines, a state-of-the-art die manufacturing facility and the adoption of a total business management IT system.

To announce the investment we organised a plant opening at which suppliers, key customers and potential customers were invited to tour the plant and witness the launch of the new presses by Digby Jones, then director general of the Confederation of British Industry.

In order to attract media coverage, the strongest news hook was identified as a Midlands manufacturer refusing to lie down and beat off overseas competition by heavily investing in its forging facilities. Editors of influential regional business, national trade publications and regional broadcasters such as the BBC were approached directly with the news of the launch and were invited to attend.

The event was followed by a newsletter issued to customers and suppliers, highlighting the investment and giving an account of the day’s events. Plans were made to issue another newsletter in the Spring of 2004 to show the impact the investment has made on the company.

The event was attended by over 60 people, including three media representatives, and media coverage included one television programme, eight regional newspapers, two Midlands news websites, two key automotive publications and two business publications. The Midlands industry correspondent for the BBC attended the launch and interviewed chairman Esther Horwood and Digby Jones, resulting in television coverage on the BBC’s Politics Show.

The campaign significantly raised the profile of Stokes Forgings across the Midlands and encouraged discussion of the wider issue of the Government’s role when it comes to investment in manufacturing. Congratulations and thank you letters were received from key stakeholder groups and customers.

Ms Horwood said:

“The event was very well received by customers, suppliers and employees and we have had extremely positive feedback. This occasion, and its impact on the reputation of the company, matter a great deal to us. We’ll keep on forging and ask Leader to keep us a slot for our centenary celebrations.”