Insight

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) is the only UK specialist manufacturers’ organisation for experts in metalforming – including fastener manufacturing. With the sector facing a skills gap, which could hamper its ability to take best advantage of a post-BREXIT world, the CBM is working to coalesce commitment, support and funding to address this critical issue.

The CBM, centrally headquartered in a modern facility in West Bromwich, was formed in 1999 through the amalgamation of four previously distinct trade associations, including the British Industrial Fasteners Federation. With close to 200 members, the CBM is the leading trade association for UK manufacturers in fasteners, forgings, sheet metal, pressings and cold rolling, with virtually every UK OEM supply chain reliant on CBM member companies for key components.

The CBM acts as a potent, coherent voice on behalf of metalforming with government, OEM, technical and academic institutions. A very practical membership benefit, which may even offset the annual subscription, is CBM’s energy efficiency service. CBM works with sector groups and individual member companies to help devise energy effective strategies, through sharing best practice, updating on present and future legislation, and managing their Climate Change Levy rebates.

The CBM recognises the critical need to fill the skills gaps in UK manufacturing. Its latest major initiative, aimed at the presswork sector, is a new CBM Employer led Apprentice Training Centre, scheduled to open in Autumn this year, for toolmaking, tool design and process engineering activities.

Over the last year the CBM’s fastener sector has experienced a resurgence of activity, with a series of sector meetings bringing together fastener makers for aerospace, automotive, construction and engineering sectors. Informative presentations ensure time away from the business is worthwhile and the presence of key suppliers to the sector – including production machinery and tooling; heat treatment and coating services; as well as wire, lubricant and consumable supplies – provides excellent opportunities to catch up on new productivity developments.

The fastener sector now has an influential voice on the CBM board, in the form of Andrew Nuttall, managing director of Barton ColdForm Ltd, an Optimas company and major fastener manufacturer to the automotive market. Andrew chairs the fastener sector as well as representing the CBM at the European Industrial Fasteners Institute.

“The fastener sector faces a critical skills gap due to aging current workforces and historic failures to attract young, skilled operatives into our companies,” says Andrew. “This issue is top of the agenda for the CBM fastener sector and we are working to emulate our presswork colleagues by developing introductory and upskilling courses, and potentially a full fastener manufacturing focused apprenticeship scheme. To achieve this vital resource, we really need the engagement of UK fastener manufacturers, to demonstrate to apprenticeship and funding bodies that we have the industry’s support. Never before has it been so important that UK fastener manufacturers commit to the only trade body in a position to address this specialised and critical challenge.”

CBM CEO, Geraldine Bolton, echoes Andrew’s sentiments. “I am delighted to see the energy that has been catalysed in the CBM fastener sector. Andrew is right, we do need the active support of fastener manufacturers from throughout the country. I can assure those companies that the CBM is wholeheartedly committed to the fastener manufacturing industry and to delivering a solid return on investment in membership.”

For more about CBM membership visit thecbm.co.uk or email info@thecbm.co.uk