Neil (L) and Paul (R)

Ginho has made two appointments in its quality assurance team as the business embarks on an ambitious growth plan across new and existing markets. Neil Cranmer joins as European quality manager with Paul Gibney the company’s new European quality engineer.

Neil Cranmer brings over 30 years’ experience of the international original equipment market and has been a quality assurance pioneer across numerous automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers and component specialists. His expertise covers injection moulding, precision machining of aluminium and grey cast iron, pressure and gravity die casting, precision turned parts, plastic and stamped parts.

Neil’s starting point is always understanding individual customers’ specific priorities and his key achievements include the introduction of quality systems across many global businesses and also being the lead auditor on various accreditations – including IATF 16949 and VDA standards.

Paul Gibney’s passion for precision manufacturing began during semester breaks from his university studies when he worked as a machine operator at a manufacturing engineering factory that specialised in cast iron and steel rocker arm assemblies for automotive and off-highway customers.

Following completion of his BSc degree in Outdoor Environmental Education, and independent travel in South America, Paul began an eight-year stint at a global Italian component group, where he progressed through various roles within the quality function.

Undertaking a number of placements in the US, India and Europe along the way, Paul’s career developed to oversee the quality management system, production part approval process, and project management in prototype-to-production projects, to quality co-ordinator of the UK site. Paul also has public sector experience in the recycling industry and is keen to achieve zero waste to landfill and make improvements to processes’ carbon footprints.

Neil says: “It is a very exciting time to be joining Ginho as the company expands its global reach and looks to achieve the next level of growth. My focus will be very much on keeping quality at the heart of everything we do as the business develops, and looking to be proactive whenever possible around further improvements or changes in legislation and upcoming trends”.

Paul is very motivated about joining the global business, and added: “Ginho’s international aspirations are really impressive, and while I am looking forward to implementing some of the skills I have learned to date. I am also eager to explore new markets”.

Shaun Gray, Ginho’s European managing director, is delighted to have Neil and Paul on board, commenting: “Having someone of Neil’s calibre as part of the team is great news for both the company and our customers. He has an awesome track record and is very, very knowledgeable across all our core sectors.” Regarding Paul’s appointment, Shaun added: “We are hugely impressed with Paul’s quality and project management skills alongside his customer service focus, and he has already immersed himself in our business”.

In his spare time, Neil enjoys travelling and dog walking with his wife Paulina. While Paul has relocated to Burton from Oxford, and outside work enjoys triathlons, motorcycling, and the outdoors.

Shaun with Mark Smith – Presidents Award for Global Trade

Ginho European MD Shaun Gray has received a special award in recognition of the company’s impact on international trade from the Greater Birmingham Global Chambers of Commerce. He received his President’s Award at the AGM from Global Chamber president Mark Smith who is the executive director of business engagement at Aston University.

Ginho was the first patron of the Greater Birmingham Global Chambers of Commerce and this award acknowledges the contribution made by Shaun over the past year as he led the launch of the company’s new Mexican operation, tapping into the growth of the country’s thriving automotive sector.

Shaun has also been invited to join the Global Chamber committee where he will work with people from across the region to champion international trade.

Faster inspections and improvements in testing accuracy are just two of the benefits of Ginho’s latest investments in:

  • Digital real time radiography
  • 3D scanning equipment.

The digital real time radiography equipment essentially performs a new improved X-ray function that brings improved integrity to components by improving the accuracy of examination from a subsurface perspective.

Having scanned a new part with Ginho’s new 3D scanner, the team then overlays the image over the original prototype model to assess and compare with increased speed and much more data.

Ginho’s European managing director Shaun Gray says: “By continuing to invest in new equipment, we are adding further value to our customer service offer – something that is always front of mind here at Ginho. These two latest innovations are especially exciting given they are already making significant improvements around response times, volume and quality of data, accuracy and product integrity”.

Ben Robinson and Shaun Gray celebrate Ginho’s sponsorship of Burton Albion FC

Burton Albion Football Club and Ginho are joining forces for the 2023/24 season.

Ginho branding can be seen at the Pirelli Stadium and in the matchday programme, and European MD Shaun Gray is pictured here with Brewers chairman Ben Robinson celebrating the partnership.

Ginho, based at Centrum 100 in Burton, is a global specialist in manufacturing temperature critical and pressure related components for the automotive industry.

Shaun Gray said: “As a proud Burton-based business, we are very pleased to be supporting Burton Albion this season. We’ll be attending as many games as possible and love seeing our logo pitchside and in match day programmes.”

Ben Robinson said: “We love partnering with successful local firms who like the football club help to put Burton on the map. It’s great to be working with Ginho this season and we look forward to a long and productive partnership.”

Jorge Vazquez

Jorge Vazquez – vice general manager of Ginho Mexico

Ginho has opened a new facility in Mexico and highly qualified Jorge Vazquez has been appointed as vice general manager. Jorge brings over 20 years’ experience that covers operations, customer service, stock control, materials, supply chain, warehousing, logistics, compliance and financial management.

The new Mexican operation comes under the responsibility of Ginho America managing director Chad Hempel. The site is located just north of Mexico City near Queretaro and is very convenient for Mexican automotive customers.

On joining Ginho, Jorge commented: “The Mexican automotive market is growing, so I am really excited to be part of a thriving, specialist business that can deliver global support for international customers out of Mexico and into Central and South America”.

Chad Hempel added: “Jorge is a highly intelligent person with an appetite for new knowledge and experiences. As vice general manager of Ginho Mexico, he will have many opportunities to use those traits and pull from his 20 plus years holding various supply chain management roles. He is a perfect match for this new operation and will offer the overall Ginho group additional resource for global logistics and supply chain processes. Our plan is to build a team in Queretaro as Jorge develops the business.”

Born and brought up in Queretaro, Jorge holds a technical degree in marketing, a bachelor’s degree in international business and an MBA. Outside work, he has a passion for culture, reading, music and sport. He also enjoys spending time with family, friends and his two dogs.

Emilie Maurer image

Emilie Maurer

A huge Ginho welcome to Emilie Maurer who has joined the company as supply chain manager. Emilie has over 15 years’ experience of transport and logistics, with degrees in transport management from Edinburgh and Aix-Marseille universities. In her previous role, she was in charge of transport and documentation for export and import shipments worldwide. She is already making a significant contribution to the business.

Ginho’s European managing director Shaun Gray commented: “Emilie is a fantastic addition to the team, bringing with her excellent credentials as well as outstanding drive and tenacity for delivering excellent customer service”.

Emilie added: “I am really pleased to have joined such an ambitious global business and feel honoured to be part of this dynamic team. I am excited about the challenges ahead and committed to delivering a great service to our customers”.

 

Members of the Ginho team pictured at 20th anniversary celebrations in China

Launched back in 2003, Ginho  is a global business that now employs more than 1,600 staff, turns over $100 million annually and owns  a production site covering more than 200,000 square metres.

At a celebratory event in Shandong, China, with guests from Ginho Europe and Ginho North America in attendance, President Shaosen Zhang paid a grateful and humble tribute to employees past and present for all their efforts and commitment, helping to create the worldwide success story that Ginho is today.

A special mention was given to the R&D team (responsible for 67 patents over the years), manufacturing, the huge sales effort, quality control, innovation around sustainability, safety, finance and other best practice accreditations alongside corporate social responsibility and keeping staff wellbeing at the top of the agenda.

20th anniversary group photo with President

Left to right: Chad Hempel – MD Ginho America, Shaun Gray – MD Ginho Europe, President Shaosen Zhang, Jim Maiden – European Sales Manager Ginho Europe and Matthias Klasen – Vice General Manager Ginho Germany at the 20th anniversary celebrations

President Zhang also looked to the future with excitement and confidence that the Ginho Group will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and excellence in customer service across all markets.

Ginho’s European managing director Shaun Gray commented: “It was amazing to be part of the 20th anniversary celebrations over in China especially as we had not visited our head office since before the pandemic. While the investment in new equipment, new facilities, and an ever-growing high-calibre team is awesome to us, I am even more excited about sharing future plans and new initiatives with our customers. Watch this space!”

 

TIMELINE

 

2003

Gaomi Yonghe Precision Casting Co. Ltd was established

2008

Started to build YH Industry Park in ETZ49

Stainless steel precision welding tube for vehicle engine put into production

2009

NC machining line put into production

2011

Investment casting line is put into practice

2013

Accomplished relocation to YH Industry park in ETZ

2015

The first employee shareholding reform

2016

Rebranded as GINHO

2017

Passed Quality Certificate of LATF16949

2020

Graded as fifth batch of state-level green factory

2021

Rewarded “National High-Tech Enterprise”

2022

Ginho recognised as the Gazelle Enterprise of Shandong Province and the single

Manufacturing champion of Shandong Province

Company has passed AEO Customs advance certification

It’s going to be a busy year and here is our spring schedule for exhibitions. Do let us know if you are planning to attend and we can hopefully meet up:

 

Hydrogen Tech Expo
30th March 2023 – Telford
https://www.hydrogentechexpo.co.uk/

 

Commercial Vehicle Show
18th – 20th April 2023 – Birmingham
https://cvshow.com/

 

Hannover Fair
17th – 21st April 2023 – Hannover
https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/

 

World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition
9th – 11th May – 2023 – Rotterdam Ahoy
https://www.world-hydrogen-summit.com/

European business development manager Stuart Lowe takes a look at some of the key stats and facts from the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ reports.

As SMMT members we really value all the insight that is provided as well as the incredible campaigning that the organisation does to promote and defend the sector, helping it to thrive.

For me, these are the standout numbers and thoughts from their latest data:

With more than 182,000 people employed in manufacturing and some 780,000 in total across the wider automotive industry, the sector accounts for 10% of total UK exports with more than 150 countries importing UK produced vehicles, generating £77 billion of trade.

More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers.

Over 859,000 cars, 72,913 commercial vehicles and 1.6 million engines were built in the UK in 2021.

Eight out of 10 cars produced in the UK in 2021 were exported overseas and over half of these (55%) went to the European Union.

 

The year ahead

We know that the biggest challenge for the industry this year will be decarbonisation. A Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate for cars and vans needs flexibility to work for the industry, the consumer and the environment. HGVs face a 2040 cut-off for non-ZEVs and this too must be workable – affordable, practical and addressing the issues of infrastructure. We need battery production but we need other sectors to step up too.

It’s good to see the SMMT approach this year with cautious optimism that gradual growth will emerge. Having been slow out of the post-Covid blocks, there is a chance the sector could outperform an economy in recession. But the UK industry’s long-term future must be built on the strong foundations of competitiveness, productivity, a skilled and flexible workforce and technological investment.

Here at Ginho Europe, with a global support team that includes over 150 engineers, we are investing heavily into research and development, collaborating with customers to create solutions that add value and offer the most effective use of funds and resources, throughout a project’s lifecycle. Bring on 2023!

 

To find out more, please get in touch at [email protected].

Chad Hempel, Managing Director

“We go where our customers want us!” So says Ginho America’s managing director Chad Hempel, and hence this thriving division is looking to expand across the Americas in 2023, with a new site and new recruits.

Chad’s team has ambitious plans and now that a number of newly won contracts have come online, the business is funding a programme of growth.

Chad joined Ginho in 2016 on the back of 30 years’ experience in the fabrication of various metals. His technical expertise and background bring many benefits, especially around his focus on delivering the best possible customer service and adding value in everything.

Specifically, as Ginho America extends its offer and invests in new facilities, Chad will be recruiting team members with warehouse, sales and accountancy skills.

 

To find out more about Ginho America, please email [email protected]