Automatic Industrial Machines strengthens platform for growth following Fordhouse investment

Automatic Industrial Machines Ltd (AIM), a Clevedon-based precision engineering business supplying Tier 1 aerospace and defence customers, has secured investment from Fordhouse to support its next phase of growth.

Founded more than 50 years ago, AIM has built a reputation for delivering complex, high-precision components into demanding sectors including aerospace, defence, motorsport, electronics and food processing. The business holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications and has long-standing relationships with customers including Airbus, BAE Systems, Aeronova and GKN Aerospace.

The investment from Fordhouse positions AIM for further expansion, bringing additional resources and expertise to increase capability, invest in people and develop new production capacity to continue supporting customers with complex manufacturing requirements.
Fordhouse is a specialist investment firm partnering with ambitious UK SMEs looking to scale through both organic and acquisitive growth. Backed by multi-generational family offices, Fordhouse enables partner companies to benefit from long investment periods and has the ability to support long-term growth strategies.
As part of the transaction, Patrick Mills, previously at Rolls-Royce, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Patrick Mills, CEO of AIM, said: “AIM stands out for the quality of its work and the strength of its team. Our focus is to build on that by investing further in capability, deepening customer relationships and developing the next generation of engineers through apprenticeships. There is a clear opportunity to scale from here.”

Nicholas Ashford, Partner at Fordhouse, said: “We believe in the revitalisation of British industry and are excited to build a high-growth, dynamic advanced engineering group around AIM. With a deep family-run legacy, AIM is a well-invested business with strong technical competence and an impressive customer set. We specialise in acquiring and working with owner-managed businesses to overcome capital and capacity constraints, so they can unlock their full potential. We look forward to helping AIM grow and welcoming further businesses into the group.”

Rob Kendall, former owner of AIM, said: “It was important to find the right home for the business. Fordhouse and Patrick understand what makes AIM special and have a clear plan to build on it. I am pleased to stay involved, remain invested in AIM’s future,
continue working closely with customers and support the next phase of growth, while safeguarding the legacy.”

AIM will continue to operate as the same legal entity, from the same site, with the same team and approvals in place, maintaining its focus on quality, delivery and long-term partnerships.

For prospective employees, AIM offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, combining hands-on engineering with cutting-edge automation technologies. The build-out of a dynamic, high growth group also offers exciting professional development opportunities. The business is actively investing in training and apprenticeships to meet increasing demand for skilled engineers and support future growth.