Swindon & Wiltshire News
Jobs saved as fruit machinery firm with royal links is acquired
Fifteen jobs have been saved at a Somerset fruit machinery business with a Royal Warrant, after it was bought out of administration.
Bramley Precision Aerospace has acquired the assets, goodwill and intellectual property of SFM Technology Ltd, securing a long-established Somerset engineering operation and preserving more than four decades of specialist manufacturing knowledge.
The operation will trade from the existing Martock site, giving customers continuity and providing renewed confidence for its skilled team.
SFM Technology Ltd has long been part of Somerset’s engineering story, from its origins in fruit harvesting machinery to its more recent capabilities supporting national and international aerospace firms.
Newly-formed Bramley Precision Aerospace Ltd will move forward under two separate brands: Bramley Aerospace for advanced aerospace engineering, and Bramley Harvesting for its specialist fruit harvesting machinery operations.
Founded in 1985 as Somerset Fruit Machinery, SFM Technology began life designing and manufacturing bespoke fruit harvesting machinery for apple and blackcurrant growers.
Its origins in practical, high-quality agricultural engineering helped the business build a respected name in the fruit harvesting sector, with machinery and specialist support supplied to customers in the UK and overseas.
In 2012, SFM Technology was awarded a Royal Warrant for the supply of fruit harvesting machinery to the royal household, reflecting the quality and standing the business had achieved.
The company later expanded into aerospace and advanced manufacturing, applying its design, and fabrication expertise to specialist precision engineering sectors.
Over time, SFM developed advanced capabilities across CAD design & prototyping, CNC machining, laser and waterjet cutting, welding, fabrication, 3D printing, and complex assembly work.
The business has supported national and international aerospace and defence firms, alongside customers in advanced manufacturing and specialist engineering.
Its capabilities and skilled workforce made it an attractive opportunity for Graham and Emma Bramley, who run a successful manufacturing company Bramley Engineering.
Their long-established family run business design and manufacture bespoke cranes and lifting equipment for utilities, transport and civil engineering companies.
Despite SFM’s strong reputation and technical capability, cash flow pressures led the company into administration.
Bramley Precision Aerospace Ltd’s acquisition now gives the Martock business renewed stability, while protecting the knowledge, skills and customer relationships developed since SFM was first established.
Graham, managing director of Bramley Aerospace, said: “Businesses like SFM are built on people, skill and years of experience. When we looked at SFM, we saw a proud Somerset engineering business with a remarkable history, a talented team and real potential for the future.
“Our priority is to keep work moving for customers and give the team in Martock the confidence to look forward again.”
Emma, director of Bramley Aerospace, said: “We understand what it takes to run a specialist engineering business, and we also understand the responsibility that comes with protecting skilled jobs and long-standing customer relationships.
“SFM has a remarkable story, from its origins in fruit harvesting machinery through to advanced aerospace and manufacturing work.
We are proud to be able to carry that story forward as Bramley Aerospace, while keeping the business rooted in Martock.
Local customers and supply chains matter to us and we will be seeking to establish strong relationships in Somerset whilst also supporting the local economy.”
Bramley Precision Aerospace Ltd will now focus on stabilising the business, supporting existing customers, building relationships with suppliers, and developing new opportunities across aerospace and wider specialist engineering.
The company is also looking at recruitment opportunities as part of its plans for the Martock site.
