A new diversification strategy is paying off for Warwickshire-based Opus International Products.
The CNC machining and injection moulding company has secured its first defence and medical contracts after completing a £1m investment drive and tapping into the external backing of the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme (WMGP).
Its recent investment drive has seen the installation of seven Yizumi injection moulding machines, offering the opportunity to clamp at 30 tonnes (small, lightweight parts) and 1200 tonnes – the latter used for very large components, high-cavity moulds or thin-walled applications. This has given it the production capacity to move into new markets and the firm is now supplying parts to several new sectors.
The moulding machines a CNC machining cell and design for manufacturing capabilities.
It is part of a five-year growth strategy that the management team hopes will see it accelerate annual revenues from its current £7.4m level to £9m, with aerospace being another industry in its sights.
“There are really strong foundations in place now to grow the company and we’re starting to convert some of the opportunities that have been in the pipeline,” explained Suzie Siddall, who took over as MD in 2024 when Opus’ founder and previous MD Rob Coles tragically passed away from a long-term illness.
“We were 99% reliant on the automotive industry, supplying premium brands like Aston Martin, JLR and Lotus with interior and exterior trim products, powertrain and suspension components.”
She continued: “This market is extremely tough, so we made the concerted decision to diversify, gaining expert support from the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme to identify our strengths and additional sectors where our manufacturing expertise could add real value.
“This was such a valuable exercise and helped us map out a new strategic marketing approach for targeting complex medical components and defence, followed by the possibility of supplying into aerospace.
“With two new contracts already secured and more due to confirm, I feel this new approach could deliver £500,000 of business in the next twelve months alone.”
The firm’s growth plans have been supported by the Warwickshire Manufacturing Growth Programme’s mix of tailored support, expert guidance and one-to-one coaching.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice on behalf of Warwickshire County Council, the business support initiative has also supported the management team to boost their leadership skills.