Pictured: Josie Stevenson, Company Secretary, Midland Power Press Services Limited; Mark Evans, managing director of R&D Tax and Grants

A Wolverhampton based tax specialist has helped a Tipton engineering company to claim back money from HMRC for money spent on research and development.

R&D Tax and Grants Ltd have helped Midland Power Press Services Limited (MPPS) claim back £26,702 over two years.

MPPS, based at High Street, Princes End been established for over 20 years and provides support and services to the power press, metalworking and allied industries.  The company was initially established by managing director Robert Crow as a sole enterprise.

MPPS employ a team of skilled engineers and craftsmen, led by Robert Crow, who design, develop and manufacture new components to provide system solutions that can save their customers valuable resources, including reconditioning, refurbishment and with complete re-design of existing equipment.

Josie Stevenson is company secretary at MPPS. "MPPS are specialists in making old and dysfunctional factory machines into modern equipment with up-to-date functionality and components", says Josie. "This means our clients don't have to purchase brand new machines, saving them thousands in capital costs while raising productivity and keeping their plant viable.  We specialise in one-off and bespoke projects, and relish the challenges that require innovative solutions to update equipment.   We work closely with our customers to maximise what can be achieved and we are constantly developing new processes and systems at a cost-effective price. I believe MPPS is a pioneer in this highly technical field."

An example of MPPS's work includes the development of a system to integrate a new clutch and brake unit with advanced functionality onto a 40 year old 400 tonne press to enable the machine to function to modern standards.  The press was defective and damaged, causing high maintenance costs and excessive downtime.  With the cost of replacing the machine set around £500,000, the client came to MPPS for an alternative, cost effective solution using the existing machine.

MPPS developed a system to integrate a new type of clutch and brake.  This required extensive modification of the machine and design and manufacture of new components to make the system compatible.

"We developed and manufactured new components, including a crown, clutch shaft, restraining ears and an electrical control panel, enabling the new clutch and brake to be successfully integrated into the existing machine", says Josie. "The new system operates significantly faster and safer, resulting in extremely low maintenance costs and downtime.  The whole project was achieved for the customer for under £40k."

Mark Evans, managing director of R&D Tax and Grants, said, "It's a real pleasure to assist companies like MPPS. This is a perfect example of how important it is for HMRC to continue to support research and development projects.  

"The team at MPPS had to undertake an enormous amount of research and development to overcome the problems, using their superb skills and problem solving to provide a successful practical and cost effective solution that enabled their client to continue production in the UK without having to purchase a very expensive new press. The £27,000 refund will enable MPPS to continue to assist other manufacturers and to help keep the Black Country tradition of tireless innovation and problem solving alive. "