With the experience of planning, designing and building satellite sites for major OEM's Stadco was a natural choice to establish a brand new press facility in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The facility was designed to meet the developing requirements for OEM's in Russia for localized supply of large body stampings and high quality assemblies.

Using Stadco's expertise gained in supplying similar product within Europe the basic facility footprint was developed by Stadco's facility and manufacturing engineers.

Stadco quickly located a core team of engineers in Russia, using staff from previous installations and using Russia personnel. The team's first and most challenging task was to establish a suitable plot for building, understand the unique regulations and develop a relationship with local officials who would assist in smoothing the red-tape often associated with such builds.

The basic design concept for the site follows the model which has proven to be so successful and initially used in the Castle Bromwich facility. This is a modular facility scheme, designed for the manufacture of high class automotive stampings with the potential for easier expansion.

The build included the installation of 7 axis robot technology; a cleaning process employing the latest brushing technology system; large automated G1 tandem press line and separate roller hemming closure assembly area with supporting storage and administration areas.

Key to the success of this programme was the ability to utilise its experienced UK staff working in Russia to support the recruitment and training of local management and workforce to meet the high quality demands of the OEM's. This includes the establishment of existing proven Stadco processes and operational procedures required to provide the customer with the quality of product required.