Factory Tour at SDE Technology

Made in the Midlands is proud to open our 2026 programme of factory tours with a visit to founder member SDE Technology, also known by its long-established trading name Salop Design & Engineering.

This privately owned, multi-generation manufacturing business is one of Shropshire’s major industrial employers, recognised for its precision metal pressing capabilities and the development of talent across the region. Under the long-term leadership of Managing Director Richard Homden, the company continues to demonstrate resilience, strategic investment, and a deep commitment to strengthening Britain’s manufacturing backbone.

Why This Tour Matters

SDE Technology has entered a new phase of growth, backed by a forward-looking ownership structure and a leadership team that takes a pragmatic, long-horizon approach to opportunity and risk.

One of the most significant recent milestones is the installation of a £1 million high-efficiency press, a strategic investment designed to:

• Increase production capacity

• Enable further reshoring opportunities for UK industry

• Reduce energy consumption

• Improve operating efficiency

• Strengthen supply chain resilience

This investment builds on the organisation’s stable financial platform and ongoing capital development strategy, reflected in the company’s strong asset base and continued reinvestment programme

Alongside manufacturing excellence, the business also operates its own haulage division—demonstrating the multi-faceted, vertically integrated nature of the organisation.

What Attendees Will Learn

This factory tour will showcase the five pragmatic values that underpin SDE Technology’s culture and reputation—values that echo the principles on which Britain’s manufacturing heritage was built.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• How a family-owned SME competes and thrives in demanding global markets

• How long-term thinking shapes investment, people development and risk management

• How modern press technology and automation are unlocking new UK supply chain opportunities

• The operational structure of a business with both manufacturing and logistics capabilities

• The company’s commitment to upskilling, apprenticeships and nurturing engineering talent

The session will include a best-practice discussion, guided walk-through of the facility, and an opportunity to network with manufacturers from across the region.

About SDE Technology / Salop Design & Engineering

With more than 50 years of heritage, SDE Technology is a specialist in precision metal pressing and assemblies for the automotive and domestic appliance sectors, supported by significant ongoing investment in machinery, skills and digitalisation. The company maintains a strong financial position and continues to innovate in both product capability and operational performance.

Who Should Attend

• Manufacturing leaders

• Engineering, operations and production managers

• Supply chain and procurement professionals

• Those interested in resilience, reshoring and advanced presswork

• HR teams focused on workforce development and apprenticeships

Agenda

09:00 – Arrival, networking & refreshments
09:40 – Introduction to SDE Technology and best-practice presentation
10:00 – Guided factory tour
11:00 – Q&A and networking
11:30 – Close