The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) has strengthened its offer to its 200-strong membership base with a high-profile industrial appointment. Maurice Spooner, who has over forty years’ experience in manufacturing, has joined as the organization’s sheet metal specialist and will help companies involved in pressings and roll-formed products to navigate an increasingly complex business landscape.
It is vital when considering the ongoing issues around the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the possibility of rising energy prices again. The former Sertec Group and Lear Corporation expert is also keen to explore opportunities for diversification and new technology.
“2025 promises to be a very interesting year for our members and the CBM will have an important role to make sure their voices are heard and the challenges they are facing are understood by the powers that be,” explained Maurice.
“Sheet metal is our biggest sector of membership, and it will be my role to support these firms by helping with issues they face and ensuring they are aware of the full range of services we offer.”
He continued: “I’m keen to visit as many as I can and have already been to three companies in my first few weeks. It’s great going inside factories, meeting the management teams and listening to what they need to be successful – both at home and abroad.”
“There are plenty of challenges to navigate, but there are also significant opportunities for our members – we really do have some wonderful companies, innovating and producing components that help make the world go round.”
Maurice Spooner started his career on the shop floor in 1981 and has been self-taught throughout, progressing to new model introduction engineer, into project management, and then commercial manager.
This has predominantly been spent in the automotive sector working for Triplex Safety Glass, ITW Profit, Metal Pressings Group, and QFS.
Two of his most significant achievements have been supporting the relocation of Lear Corporation’s manufacturing facility to the Black Country with zero quality defects and overseeing the introduction of the Discovery model at Sertec Group, involving 190+ different part numbers.
“The CBM offers so many different services, from an active health and safety best practice forum to technical support from industry specialists and a wide range of energy services,” continued Maurice.
“One of my key roles will be making our sheet metal members fully aware of all the different things they can tap into and encouraging them to support our lobbying by adding their voice to the work we are doing in Whitehall and with influential local MPs like Sarah Coombs.”
Steve Morley, President of the CBM, added his support: “Maurice is a hugely experienced manufacturing specialist who understands what it is like at the coalface.
“He will be a massive asset to our members and has the ability and contacts to bring more OEMs and tier 1s into the conversation, so we can ensure that the downstream supply chain is better connected and represented.”
About The Confederation of British Metalforming
The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), established in 1998, is the UK’s leading trade association for fasteners, forgings, pressings, cold-rolled, and sheet-metal products manufacturers. Headquartered at the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich, West Midlands, CBM serves aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, engineering, nuclear, offshore, and white goods industries. The organization offers its members a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development through tailored workshops and courses. CBM also represents the collective voice of metal forming manufacturers at the highest levels to influence legislation and raise industry profiles. Additionally, the association identifies business opportunities, facilitates partnerships with research centers like the Advanced Forming Research Centre, and monitors funding availability to support member companies. Specific financial details, such as annual revenue, are not publicly disclosed. CBM represents over 200 manufacturing companies across the UK covering sheet metal, fasteners, forging, cold head forging, and cold rolled sections. Together, they employ 70,000 people and boast a combined turnover of £26 billion.