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<\/p>\nThe single-source supplier<\/b><\/p>\n
As a provider of complete assemblies to leading OEMs, with a sizable percentage of disabled employees, Evtec Automotive is re-writing the narrative around manufacturing as a sector for those of all abilities<\/p>\n
What do automotive OEMs including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, and Aston Martin all have in common? They\u2019re all clients of Evtec Automotive (Evtec), a single-source, people-led parts and assembly supplier.<\/p>\n
As a self-described expert in simplifying customer supply chains, Evtec provides complete assemblies to OEMs, simplifying sourcing, saving time on procurement, and increasing production efficiency. Equipped with its own internal engineering, commercial, quality, and supply chain departments, Evtec\u2019s \u201ceverything under one roof\u201d service has the capability to take ownership of all suppliers within the assembly process, up to a total of 25 for any one commodity. In return, Evtec\u2019s customers enjoy a single point of contact, providing exemplary control over each and every component within the assembly BOM.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a large portfolio of trusted suppliers, many of whom can offer competitive quotations on various materials and components,\u201d explains Kevin Hubbard, Managing Director at Evtec. \u201cAt the same time, we can also work with our customers\u2019 chosen or nominated suppliers.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur internal engineering department collaborates with our customers throughout the early stages of product development,\u201d he adds. \u201cWorking with our customers\u2019 CAD, engineering, and commercial functions from such an early stage in the development allows us to offer suggestions or guidance that can offer cost and assembly efficiencies, such as using the latest manufacturing techniques and materials.\u201d<\/p>\n
A new era<\/b>
\nThe history of Evtec stretches back to 1944, and a government-funded initiative to offer employment to ex-servicemen and people with disabilities: Remploy. The initiative ran for almost 60 years prior to the withdrawal of funding in 2013. Its automotive sector was acquired, however, since which the initiative has operated under private ownership. The company\u2019s Coventry site was purchased by Evtec in January 2021, and continues to offer employment to people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvtec is a people-oriented business,\u201d says Kevin. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to practice industry leading ESG, and prove that having a sizable disabled workforce has no impact on our ability to deliver on time, and in full.\u201d<\/p>\n
As proof of its focus on ESG, Evtec ensures that all of its equipment is accessible for employees of all abilities, with support offered to adapt tooling where necessary. The company also offers as much training as required to ensure complete employee confidence in the use of all equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy embracing everyone\u2019s unique skillsets to drive improvement and positive change, we believe many employers are missing a golden opportunity, overlooking some very adaptable people in the job market,\u201d Kevin continues. \u201cOur recruitment practices understand the challenges people face when applying for jobs and interviewing, and we have the privilege of working with specific disability schools and colleges, offering work placements of up to ten months each year with a variety of eager students who we watch flourish during their time here. We also have various events throughout the year to support charities while bringing everyone together, and we celebrate and embrace each other\u2019s ethnic backgrounds and beliefs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through a tough trading period during Covid-19, Brexit and a global semiconductor shortage, Evtec has proved its resilience. Now, the company is looking forward to a new era of supplying assemblies for the fast-growing electric vehicle market.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe are committed to supporting OEMs in the fast-paced growth of the EV sector,\u201d Kevin confirms. \u201cAs technology, processes, and materials constantly evolve, we\u2019re working closely with our network of manufacturing engineers. We\u2019ve noted the transition to robust but lightweight materials used in fuel, cooling, and electrical systems. Moving away from heavy metals to lightweight but robust plastics, we see this transition in many of the assemblies we supply.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn response, we\u2019re rapidly increasing our in-house manufacturing abilities in these areas,\u201d he develops. \u201cWe need to ensure that we\u2019re recognized as a key supplier to our OEM\u2019s, and offer not only competitive costs, but quality assurance achieved through shorter, more tightly controlled supply chains. In doing so, we benefit from our fantastic supplier base, from extremely large corporations to single-site entities. Each supplier contributes significantly to our product evolution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Transforming operations<\/b>
\nAs part of its drive to support the EV sector, Evtec is currently in discussions with one major OEM to assist in the development of a battery enclosure. It\u2019s a daily process of collaboration, in which Evtec is taking an active role in identifying potential design improvements, removing material, and reducing tooling complexity. The company is also cooperating with key suppliers to offer feedback in areas outside of its area of expertise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also working with another OEM to explore ways of improving the efficiency in the assembly of a battery module system,\u201d Kevin reveals. \u201cWe are not involved in the design from a functional perspective, but our expertise in manufacturing has supported the OEM in reducing the overall complexity of assembly.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the latest project in what is Evtec\u2019s impressive record of working alongside OEMs, including a well-known UK-based bus manufacturer, for the assembly and supply of electronic distribution boards containing 50+ complex electrical components. As Kevin indicates: \u201cAs part of this contract, we had to quickly implement critical changes to these assemblies, and support them with quick turnarounds of new bespoke parts.\u201d<\/p>\n
In parallel with its efforts to support a more sustainable future for the automotive sector, Evtec is hard at work transforming its own operations. The company has set an ambitious date of December 2025 to achieve carbon neutrality, one that Kevin insists is necessary, if hopes of tackling climate change and protecting the planet are to be realized.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way we track our carbon footprint has changed to really understand our usage, and we\u2019re already making strides in our journey,\u201d he tells us. \u201cFor instance, we work quite closely with the Coventry Food Bank through the upcycling of our cardboard boxes, which they then send around the world to people in need. Our in-house manufacturing strategy will help to further reduce our carbon footprint, and we\u2019ve already commenced with the installation of EV charging points.\u201d<\/p>\n
In taking these steps, Kevin gives credit to an engaged and informed leadership. \u201cOur chairman is exploring some very interesting engineering potential, which will not only support our carbon neutral target, but which will also support our transformation in our aftermarket and customer care range,\u201d he says. For Evtec, it\u2019s only the early stages, but the signs are looking positive.<\/p>\n
As it looks to the future, Evtec\u2019s vision continues to be shaped by the present, in which semiconductor shortages and other constraints continue to disrupt the automotive sector. Nevertheless, the company continues to invest, as it looks to drive forward its EV journey. At the time of writing, Kevin was looking ahead to the upcoming launch of Evtec\u2019s new ERP business system, complete with a streamlined manufacturing unit, offering additional space for a next-generation strategy.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking further ahead, our five-year business plan transforms Evtec from what was a traditional pick and pack business to a modern manufacturing unit, that enhances technology and product offerings,\u201d Kevin confirms. \u201cWhilst our engineering team continues to work with our customers on product innovation and best practices for the mainstream OEM, we will continue our diversification program for the aftermarket. Amid this exciting journey, we continue to remember our core values and DNA: our employees, and enhancing our social and corporate responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n