10 Questions With – Rowan Crozier, CEO, Brandauer

1 – If you were given 1 million pounds – how would you invest that in your business?

This year I would invest it in the stamping shop and improving the efficiency of our stamping process. At the top of my shopping list would be two new Bruderer high speed presses (51 tonne long beds to allow for longer, more complex progression tooling) and a mixture of ancillary equipment to push the boundaries of productivity.

2 – If you were prime minister, what would be the first thing you would change or improve for manufacturers?

Where do you start? I’d definitely increase access to funding for technology and process improvements and remove tuition fees for STEM and higher education courses.

Ideally, I’d also like to see the Prime Minister commit to a common market outside of EU membership.

3 – What one thing that you have implemented in your business would you recommend other manufacturers embrace and implement?

Take advantage of R&D tax credits and engage with Universities. We’ve benefitted hugely from these two aspects of business, both financially and in terms of improved performance and addressing the looming skills gap.

4 – What is your proudest achievement related to manufacturing in your career?

Leading a world class manufacturer like Brandauer is something I’m extremely proud of, that and being recognised by ‘The Manufacturer’ as one of its top 20 industry professionals.

5 – If you could choose, what would you like your legacy to be once you retire?

I’d like to do my bit to drive a resurgence in engineering careers, getting more young people excited about making things and the opportunities it provides.

6 – What is your view on post-Brexit Britain – positive, negative or indifferent and why?

Negative. However, it doesn’t matter…it’s a just another challenge we have to take on as an SME and conquer! I would be more positive if I thought our politicians had a plan that would deliver something tangible.

7 – What is a typical day for you? Time you wake up, get to the factory/office, go home etc.

Wake up at 6am, arrive at factory for 7.45am then home after 7pm for some much needed family time.

My commute is predominantly in car and takes about 1 hour each way (2 hours to do just 50 miles thanks to the West Midlands road network).

8 – How do you see smart technology (IoT & Industry 4.0) affecting the long-term growth of UK manufacturing?

These are terms for work that any good manufacturer should already be embracing.

We’ve just invested £400,000 into a Microsoft Navision business system that gives us access to real-time data and will see us become paperless with full traceability.

9 – Any wise words, advice or tips for someone looking to pursue a career in manufacturing?

Firstly, find a job you are passionate about and then keep your promises. It’s also important to recognise your strengths and don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people who are better than you at different things.

10 – What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Every day is a school day! If you’re not learning then you’re probably in the wrong job.

10 Questions With… is a regular feature where we put a variety of quick fire questions to manufacturing leaders and role models to get to know the people behind manufacturing success in the UK.

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