Somerset company used by royal family rescued from administration

The fruit harvesting machinery business had been in operation for more than four decades

A Somerset fruit machinery business that once supplied the royal household has been rescued from administration, saving 15 jobs. SFM Technology had collapsed owing to cashflow difficulties, but has now been acquired by Bramley Precision Aerospace, which has bought its assets, goodwill and intellectual property.

The well-established engineering company had been operating for four decades and will continue trading from its current Martock premises.

Its roots date back to 1985 when it was established as Somerset Fruit Machinery, designing and manufacturing bespoke fruit harvesting equipment for apple and blackcurrant producers.

Its new owner say its foundation in practical, high-quality agricultural engineering enabled the firm to build a respected reputation in the fruit harvesting industry, with machinery and specialist support delivered to clients in the UK and internationally.

In 2012, SFM Technology was granted a Royal Warrant for the supply of fruit harvesting machinery to the royal family, “reflecting the quality and standing the business had achieved”.

The firm later diversified into aerospace and advanced manufacturing, applying its design and fabrication knowledge to specialist precision engineering sectors.

Over the years, SFM developed sophisticated capabilities across CAD design and prototyping, CNC machining, laser and waterjet cutting, welding, fabrication, 3D printing and complex assembly work, reports Somerset Live.

The business has served national and international aerospace and defence firms, as well as clients in advanced manufacturing and specialist engineering. Its expertise and highly skilled workforce made it an appealing prospect for Graham and Emma Bramley, who operate a thriving manufacturing firm, Bramley Engineering.

The family-run enterprise designs and manufactures bespoke cranes and lifting equipment for utilities, transport and civil engineering companies, and will now operate under two distinct brands: Bramley Aerospace for advanced aerospace engineering, and Bramley Harvesting for its specialist fruit harvesting machinery division.

Graham Bramley, 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.”

Director Emma Bramley added: “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 says it will now concentrate on stabilising the business, supporting existing clients, forging relationships with suppliers, and pursuing new opportunities across aerospace and broader specialist engineering. The firm is also exploring recruitment prospects as part of its development plans for the Martock site.

Mr Bramley added: “We want customers to know that the capability they relied on is still here. We want staff to know that their skills are valued. And we want Somerset to know that an important piece of its engineering history has been saved.

“Our focus now is on giving the Martock operation the support it needs, building on SFM’s strengths and creating a positive future for everyone connected to the business.”

As part of its ambitions to grow the Martock site, Bramley Aerospace is currently seeking to fill positions including an office manager, CNC operative and a design manufacturing manager, while also welcoming enquiries from skilled individuals with specialist manufacturing expertise regarding potential future roles.