KMF is a market leader in the supply of precision sheet metal fabrication and engineering solutions with annual sales of more than £32 million.

Formed in 1971, it remains under the management of its founding family and has grown into one of the largest and most successful sheet metal manufacturing plants in the UK.

With 300 full time staff, of which 20% are apprentices, KMF is committed to creating a sustainable business to deliver the premier service expected by its expanding customer base.

In 2002 KMF recruited its first apprentices, then in 2007 became an EAL approved apprentice training provider. In 2018 it became an employer provider with RoATP approval and was recognised as strong in two areas during its 2026 OFSTED Inspection.

KMF moved its apprenticeship program inhouse in 2007 as a strategic response to addressing long-term skills shortages, creating sustainable talent pipelines and supporting workforce succession planning across the business.

The apprenticeship strategy was to overcome the barriers of an ageing workforce (average age 65  in 2007, compared to 40 now) and skill shortages presented by being located in a Government-recognised area of deprivation to develop a sustainable talent pool with the skills and values to fulfil strategic annual 10% growth.

Apprenticeships are embedded into KMF’s wider business and people strategy rather than being viewed as a standalone training initiative. Senior leadership sponsorship ensures apprenticeships are a core component of manufacturing workforce planning, organisational progression and development and social value delivery.

The programmes are designed to enable the utilisation of KMF’s Apprentice Levy and to support both new engineering apprentices (85 since 2020) and upskill existing employees (23 within the last three years).

KMF has entered the Skills for the Future category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards