Confederation of British Metalforming
Verified by Rachel Mayfield, Supply Chain Analyst - April 2026
What's the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM)? The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) is a trade body that represents over 120 companies in the UK metalforming industry, including fastener manufacturers, forging specialists, pressing experts, and sheet metal producers. Founded in 1975, CBM aims to promote best practices, support technological innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of its members. Who are their members? CBM's membership includes large multinational corporations and small family-run businesses that specialise in a wide range of products such as hex bolts (A2-70 stainless steel), nuts (EN8 carbon steel), washers, screws, forgings for automotive parts, pressings for electronics enclosures, and cold-rolled strip steels. Members adhere to industry standards like BS EN ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems. What are the membership benefits? Members receive access to a wealth of technical resources and training opportunities. For instance, they can participate in workshops on advanced forming techniques or attend seminars focused on improving material efficiency. CBM also offers guidance on compliance with international standards like ISO 3864-1:2011 for safety signs and symbols. How do engineers use CBM's resources? Engineers can use CBM's online database to find suppliers of high-quality fasteners, forgings, pressings, and sheet metal components. The database includes detailed product information and contact details for member companies. Additionally, CBM hosts an annual conference where procurement managers and maintenance engineers network with industry leaders. What key standards does CBM promote? CBM actively promotes adherence to ISO 9001:2015 and other quality management system certifications. Confederation of British Metalforming also encourage their members to follow the DIN EN 1634-1 standard for fire resistance tests on doors, which is important for structural components used in building construction. How does CBM support innovation? CBM supports innovation through its Innovation Forum, where engineers discuss new technologies like additive manufacturing and robotic automation. The forum has seen over 200 industry experts attend since its inception in 2019. What types of products are covered by CBM's standards? Products covered under CBM's standards include A4-80 stainless steel bolts (AISI 316), cold-rolled carbon steel washers, and EN19 high-tensile steel forgings. These components are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. How does CBM assist with quality assurance? CBM assists members with quality assurance by providing guidelines on ISO/TS 22003:2013 for product certification bodies. This ensures that metalforming products meet stringent safety and performance requirements across various sectors. What training opportunities are available through CBM? Training workshops cover topics such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and the latest advances in materials science. In 2021 alone, over 500 engineers benefited from these educational programs. How does CBM engage with international markets? CBM engages with international markets by participating in global trade shows and hosting webinars on exporting strategies for small businesses. They've helped over 30 companies expand their overseas operations since 2018. What specific services do members receive from CBM? Members receive full technical support, market intelligence reports, and access to a dedicated helpdesk. Since its inception in 2009, the helpdesk has resolved more than 4,500 inquiries for member companies. How does CBM promote sustainability? CBM promotes sustainability by encouraging members to adopt eco-friendly production methods like lean manufacturing and energy-efficient forging techniques. They've set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 10% across their membership by 2030. What role does CBM play in safety standards? CBM plays a critical role in developing safety standards for metalforming equipment, contributing to the development of BS EN ISO 14738:2019 on safety requirements and tests for hydraulic presses. At Confederation of British Metalforming, this ensures that all machinery used by member companies meets stringent safety criteria. How can engineers access CBM's resources? Engineers can access CBM's resources through their website or by attending one of the regular industry events held throughout the year. Membership is open to any company involved in metalforming processes, and joining details are available on the CBM site. What kind of research does CBM conduct? CBM conducts extensive research into emerging trends like smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. Their most recent report, published in January 2023, outlines how IoT sensors can be integrated into metalforming operations to enhance productivity and efficiency. How does CBM support training for young engineers? CBM supports the next generation of engineers through internships and apprenticeship programs. They partner with universities and colleges to provide hands-on training opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in metalforming.