MIDLANDS

AEROSPACEISSUE 39. AUTUMN 2015 MAGAZINE

FOCUS ON INNOVATION HOT METAL IN THE MIDLANDS OUR MANUFACTURING KNOW-HOW APPLIED TO LIGHTWEIGHT MAGNESIUM – PAGE 10 Photo courtesty Mettis Aerospace courtesty Photo

NEW MINISTER ON TRADE SHOWS APPRENTICES: IS FACT-FINDING TOUR IN SPOTLIGHT 3 MILLION ENOUGH? Aerospace industry opens MAA members share Is the target high enough for doors to Anna Soubry – p2 exhibition strategies – p4 aerospace’s needs? – p8 Update ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/NEWS MINISTER ON FACT- FINDING TOUR Business minister Anna Soubry visited helped Winbro win new contracts, Leicestershire to see how government maintain 170 jobs and create a investment is helping a high-tech dozen more. manufacturer win multi-million pound The minister said: “Our contracts and expand its UK operations. long-term economic plan for the Coalville-based MAA member Winbro Group Midlands is to make it the engine Technologies has won contracts worth about for growth in the UK. £88 million since starting on the government- “Growth in advanced backed Sharing in Growth (SiG) programme. manufacturing and the skilled jobs Anna Soubry listens to Alan Duffield, general manager of Winbro The company, which designs and produces it provides is a key part of that plan Advanced Machining and MAA director. Looking on are SiG chairman Bryan Jackson (left) and MAA chief executive Andrew Mair. high-technology machining systems and which is why I’m delighted our manufactures components for high-pressure partnership with Winbro is producing such “SiG is a four-year programme designed by turbine blades, joined SiG in October 2014 great results.” industry for industry. We’re still recruiting to grow its order book, improve operational Winbro director Andy Lawson said: “SiG has companies who want to excel.” efficiencies and develop its skilled workforce. allowed us to break through to the next level... ■ See also View from Westminster, page 13 Since then, SiG engineers and business underpinning our growth, upskilling our people gurus have used their expertise to train staff and making this growth sustainable.” www.sig-uk.org and drive productivity improvements. This has Andy Page, chief executive of SiG, added:

02 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE NEWS ON THE WEB ‘DON’T CHANGE A CLICK THROUGH TO THE MAA WEBSITE FOR CURRENT NEWS ON MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES: THING’: AIRBUS V-P ➔ Meggitt has bought the advanced The message from aerospace to the new UK composites business government – an echo of legendary Spitfire test of Cobham, which has pilot Captain Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers – must be operations in Leicestershire. “Don’t change a thing!” Katherine Bennett OBE, vice-president Public Affairs ➔ Chinn, part of for Airbus, made the comment during her keynote address the Nasmyth Technologies Group, to members of the MAA at the alliance’s annual general has received an IQS meeting (AGM) on 8 October. Gold Award from In a wide-ranging presentation that gave the assembled AgustaWestland. members fascinating insights into the world of the ➔ Tufnol Composites industry lobbyist working closely with government, of Birmingham Bennett praised the national Aerospace Growth has added to its Airbus’s Katherine Bennett talks to MAA members. Partnership (AGP) programme and the MAA’s role in the capabilities with AGP representing the supply chain perspective. two years, are Stephen Cheetham, managing director of new state-of-the-art Her remarks ensured the AGM was a lively affair with PK Engineering, and MJ Sections sales manager Craig machinery. members later contributing new ideas on what they Fullwood. Dr Alan Duffield, general manager of Winbro ➔ Tamworth-based wanted from their organisation. Advanced Machining, was re-elected. Amphenol Invotec Two new directors were elected and one re-elected MAA chairman Clive Snowdon congratulated them on has invested in a new to the MAA board. The new directors, who will serve for their success and also thanked Gareth Jones, managing copper plating line. director, In-Comm Training & Business Services, for ➔ KMF Precision putting himself forward and being willing to contribute his Sheet Metal has been services and expertise. named Business MAA chief executive Dr Andrew Mair used an extensive of the Year in review of the services the MAA currently offers its Staffordshire. members to open discussion about other possible ways members could benefit from the organisation. A practical proposal that struck a chord was to organise visits by groups of members to smaller trade shows. Mair commented: “We always remain open to fresh ideas from our members; it was great to receive several new thoughts at the AGM.” www.midlands aerospace.org.uk/news New MAA board director Craig Fullwood receives chairman Clive Snowdon’s congratulations. www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk TNA REINFORCES BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION The two-year TransNetAero (TNA) Diana Nikolova of the Netherlands Aerospace “especially appreciated the training and goal- programme succeeded in introducing Group (NAG) said TNA gave Dutch companies a oriented workshops with OEMs.” SMEs from six participating European “different way to approach other regions”. The discussions about business development aerospace clusters to new opportunities “We saw a trend of increasing participation in small international groups during the for international collaboration and development. once companies saw the scope of TNA activities. workshops were a highlight, he added. The EU-funded programme, which concluded The programme also helped NAG set up MAA chief executive Dr Andrew Mair agreed. this summer, was designed to show members relationships with regions, clusters and industry “TNA has laid an excellent foundation for the of smaller aerospace clusters and those hidden representatives we didn’t know before.” MAA and its members to collaborate with behind others like automotive – which included Benno Speer from LRBW, the aerospace partners across Europe,” he said. the MAA – the benefits of closer cross-border industry association of Baden-Württemberg, links with their Belgian, Dutch, French, German said the TNA events offered an “excellent www.transnetaero.eu and Swiss counterparts. opportunity” to network. German participants

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 03 STRATEGY MAKING THE MOST OF AIRSHOWS

Cutting-edge engineering NO BUSINESS under one roof LIKE TRADE Advanced Engineering UK, the UK’s largest annual advanced engineering meeting place, brings together SHOW BUSINESS multiple industry events under one roof at the NEC in Birmingham from AIRSHOWS CAN OFFER UNRIVALED MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES. 4-5 November. Whether you attend as an exhibitor or a visitor, each event BUT HOW DO COMPANIES CHOOSE WHERE TO EXHIBIT? provides you with a business forum and supply chain showcase within Realistic expectations, preparation and its own sector and those of its a well-executed plan of action are the co-locating sister events. key to success at airshows. That’s the Advanced Engineering UK group opinion of three MAA members. of events: Redditch-based G&O Springs has been a ■ Aero Engineering Show 2015 regular airshow exhibitor with the MAA for ■ Composites Engineering Show 2015 many years. As a business with a tight focus ■ Automotive Engineering Show 2015 on aerospace, G&O’s target customer is the ■ Performance Metals Engineering 2015 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) who ■ AEUK Open Conference – leading holds the relevant design authority. Individual pods on the MAA stand at Paris 2015 offered experts present intel and latest “These tend to be Tier 2 or 3 suppliers,” said maximum exposure to trade visitors in the aisles. technology case studies general manager Steve Boyd. “Anyone higher “We select shows to attend based on the ■ Feature Stream: ‘Innovate + normally wouldn’t procure individual piece parts. people who are going to be there. We look at Enable’, including special coverage “We’re limited as to where we can find new our list of target companies and try to align of graphene, smart and hybrid customers but do feel we need a presence at ourselves with them. Paris was a perfect materials, energy harvesting, the ‘major’ airshows (Farnborough and Paris) as opportunity for us – everybody was there.” printable electronics and more. a lot of Tier 2 and 3 suppliers exhibit – plus you Sigma used Paris 2015 to raise its own brand Once again this year, the Advanced always get an engineering element visiting.” awareness. Farnborough – its ‘local’ show – Engineering UK group of events For Delcam, another regular exhibitor, the provides a platform to roll out innovations and brings together OEMs, primes and cross-sector application of its manufacturing technologies developed over the previous year. all supply chain tiers, to meet and software means airshows are less important G&O also stresses the technical side of its do business across some of the UK’s than machine tool and engineering shows. But business. “We always have a spring design highest-growth advanced engineering Delcam still believes it’s important to have a challenge,” said Boyd. “It positions us correctly sectors, including automotive, presence at airshows. in the marketplace.” aerospace, composites, motorsport, “You need to have realistic expectations One important function of airshows is raising marine, consumer, energy, and not look at an exhibition in isolation,” said your business profile, he added, “so when electronics and more. marketing manager Peter Dickin. “For us, most someone does have an issue, G&O is the first Contact: software purchases are related to machine tool place they think of.” ■ [email protected] purchases, which are substantial investments. Delcam’s Dickin said face-to-face contact ■ www.advancedengineeringuk.com “Sales just don’t happen the first time you with clients is “really the value of exhibitions. meet someone. That’s the start of the process.” “It also makes it easier to use remote Visit the MAA team at Aero Tony Whittaker, business development communications technology later. If you Engineering 2015 - we’re at manager at Sigma Precision Components, manage your time well, the number of people Stand B33. agrees. After a show, it’s the follow-up you can see bears no comparison with the time meetings and future RFQs that count, he said. it would otherwise take.” GET INSIDE THE BIG FOUR EUROPEAN AEROSPACE MARKETS WITH THE MAA November 2015 INTERNATIONAL The simple solution to taking your marketing message PARIS AIR SHOW to the heart of international aerospace June 2017 For details, please contact [email protected] June 2016 July 2016

04 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE STRATEGY MAKING THE MOST OF AIRSHOWS

FARNBOROUGH 2016 CALLING: BOOK SPACE EARLY

It’s not too soon to book space on the being on the MAA stand.” MAA stand at Farnborough 2016 – in Farnborough 2016 opens next 11 July for fact, if bookings continue at the current seven days, the first five being for trade only. rate, it may soon be too late. The MAA returns to the visible location in MAA marketing manager Emma Burgess said Hall 1 that it occupied at the 2012 and 2014 she had bookings for half the stand space before shows. The stand within the UK Pavilion will the MAA’s annual meeting in October. “That’s give exhibitors an excellent base for meeting unprecedented,” she said. “It’s the most early existing and potential clients and the “all- bookings we’ve ever had – and the show is still important physical presence”. (Left to right) Mark Johnson of Sigma Precision ■ nine months away. For more information and details on booking Components speaks to Lord Maude, with Sir “It goes to show how important Farnborough your pod, contact Emma at emma.burgess@ Peter Ricketts, British Ambassador to France, is to our members, and the value they see in midlandsaerospace.org.uk and Avingtrans CEO Steve McQuillan looking on. BUSINESS BRISK JOIN US IN TURIN AND BERLIN AT PARIS 2015 On 18-19 November, the MAA and Eight companies exhibited on UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) the MAA stand at the Paris are taking a select group of UK airshow in June. aerospace suppliers to Italy for Aerospace The exhibitors reported brisk & Defense Meetings Torino. This event, a business throughout the show with a cross between a trade show and meet- continual stream of customer meetings. the-buyers event, builds on the recent A highlight was a visit to the stand by successful trade mission for UK suppliers Lord Maude, the UK minister for Trade to meet major Italian aerospace customers. and Investment. “This is the only big event of its kind Commenting after the show, most targeted at Italy, Europe’s fourth-biggest exhibitors agreed it was one of the best, aerospace industry,” said MAA marketing if not the best exhibition they had done. manager Emma Burgess. “It is based on Amphenol Invotec representatives enjoy a meeting with a potential High on the overall list of pluses were a programme of pre-arranged meetings client in Italy in 2013. the number of meetings they were able with international and Italian buyers who suppliers the opportunity to meet potential to arrange, enquiries from passing come to your own booth where you can present customers in the German aerospace industry, visitors, the way the stand enabled your company to best effect.” Europe’s third-largest. them to present their companies For suppliers it is an excellent chance to The UK Suppliers Village in the International and products to advantage, and the develop new business with customers from Suppliers Centre (ISC) hall will showcase the professional help from the MAA team. one of the world’s biggest aerospace industries best of UK aerospace in a cluster of individually Exhibitor MJ Sections observed: as well as other international buyers – all in branded pods, a format which participants at “Being part of the MAA at an exhibition a structured format. Confirmed international past events have said worked well. means that potential customers participants include Airbus, AgustaWestland, A highlight of the three-day show, which might happen to arrive at the stand, Alenia Aermacchi, ATR, Ferrari, MBDA, Rolls- runs 1-3 June 2016 at the Berlin ExpoCenter even though they came to see Royce and SuperJet International. Airport, is an international meet-the-buyers another company.” Next June, ILA Berlin Airshow 2016 offers event exclusively for ISC exhibitors.

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 05 NATEP MIDLANDS CASE STUDIES

Colin Sharples (left) of Kyocera Unimerco, and Kevin Cooke and Sue Field, both of Teer Coatings, study the analysis of the coating thickness on a witness sample. MIDLANDS PROJECTS PROGRESS AT PACE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH EFFORTS BETWEEN SMES, UNIVERSITIES AND END USERS ARE PRODUCING SOLID RESULTS TO HELP UK AEROSPACE MAINTAIN ITS GLOBAL POSITION.

Two years after its launch, the National for lubricants to be used when drilling in-situ TEER COATINGS AND KYOCERA Aerospace Technology Exploitation DRILL FOR AEROSPACE ACCLAIM on aircraft, which I was keen to progress, but I Programme (NATEP) now has more needed support and other skills and expertise than 80 projects up and running. The fifth Kyocera Unimerco Tooling and Teer Coatings to make it happen. and final call attracted a record number of are working together with the University of “A meeting with the MAA at Farnborough proposals which are progressing through the Manchester to explore better tools for in-situ 2014 led to an introduction to Teer Coatings, selection process. drilling on aircraft structures. whose appetite for innovation matched our own. The NATEP programme is now projected Kyocera Unimerco’s Colin Sharples, who “It’s more than a collaboration, it’s a new to deliver 120 projects. So popular has the is based in Staffordshire, had observed that relationship, which is important as we see a programme been that demand has exceeded the dry, in-situ drilling of aluminium alloys, with great deal of potential for this technology, not current available funding, helping build a strong no significant loss of drill tool performance, just in aerospace. business case for future initiatives. would simplify and reduce the cost of aircraft “I had already worked with the University One of the reasons for the programme’s manufacture while also improving the of Manchester, and their tool design and popularity is the requirement for collaboration. workplace environment. monitoring expertise provides the perfect link.” This is enabling supply chain companies to begin He had shared his idea for a new process that Working closely with the NATEP team on discussions about working together, approach would eliminate the need for conventional liquid the bid from the very start, a project plan was universities and Catapult centres and involve the lubricants with Peter Knight, NATEP technology developed to explore the feasibility of dry- customer from the start. That’s helping many manager at the MAA, at the Farnborough drilling with newly designed tools that exploit companies progress their projects faster, safe in airshow in 2014. Peter quickly initiated a the latest high-performance solid lubricant the knowledge that they are doing the right thing meeting with Worcestershire-based advanced coatings. The 12-month project proposal was at the right time for the right reasons. coating specialists Teer Coatings, part of the submitted, and approved in early 2015. Here we take a look at two such projects being Miba Coating Group. Dr Kevin Cooke, R&D technology centre supported by the MAA. Successful in Call 3, Sharples explained: “I had an idea for a manager for Teer Coatings, added: “The project these teams have made a flying start. new process that would eradicate the need is progressing at pace and once we have

06 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE WE ARE MAKING IDEAS HAPPEN completed the testing of the demonstrator, we the University of York was established, feel it can be commercialised very quickly. an 18-month project defined, and the BUILDING AN “Every NATEP project needs to work proposal received approval from the NATEP INNOVATIVE, alongside an end customer, and Airbus was National Steering Board. keen to be involved. This new process will be Dr Philippa Ryan Conmy, the research and PROFITABLE, an important step forward for the aerospace development co-ordinator and software quality sector, but there’s potential for it in other assurance for Rapita Systems, commented: SUSTAINABLE industries too.” “The NATEP specialists have been extremely SUPPLY CHAIN helpful and provided us with very useful TESTING THE TEST feedback and information. We liked the informal The aim of the PROGRAMME approach, which helps us be more innovative £40 million NATEP Technology expert Rapita Systems is working and creative with our research. programme is to fund with the University of York to develop next- “NATEP also gave our project a platform 100 projects that will develop generation software verification tools for aircraft, which brought it to the attention of two end innovative technologies for improving safety and enhancing efficiency. users, Rolls-Royce Controls and Data Services new products or manufacturing Safety remains a top priority for aerospace in Birmingham, and Airbus Defence and Space processes, and to create and companies and investment continues in in Madrid. Both companies are involved in our safeguard jobs within the UK enhanced software as well as additional research and their input is invaluable to ensure aerospace supply chain. sensors and devices, to offer improved control, we develop a demonstrator that meets their Funded by the Department monitoring and diagnostics – all of which place exact needs.” for Business, Innovation & Skills a high demand on the aircraft’s sophisticated The demonstrator is due to start tests in (BIS), managed by ADS and computer processors. It is vital that all software early 2016. delivered in the Midlands by the is checked to ensure it works as planned, NATEP deputy programme director Bridget Midlands Aerospace Alliance without error, and that everything happens Day said: “This is a great example of a small (MAA), it is designed to enhance exactly when it should. But testing software company with world-class expertise, that will UK supply chain capabilities and needs processor capacity to run, thereby slowing change the way testing is run in the aerospace networks and enable them to down the system and affecting the results. industry, improving safety and processes. What deliver high added value to future For safety-critical control systems where may appear to be a small change to a process aerospace products and services. split-second timing is paramount, there is a can, in fact, have an enormous impact on the The programme is sponsored real industry need for testing software that will whole supply chain, making global aerospace by leading UK aerospace primes perform its function without affecting the end safer, faster, cheaper and more sustainable. and Tier 1s including Airbus, result. A theoretical solution to this conundrum “The teams are already making good Bombardier, Controls and Data was put forward in a PhD thesis five years ago, progress, with work on the demonstrator Services, GKN Aerospace, Rolls- but implementing it required hardware support. beginning shortly. Our team of technology Royce and Spirit. The owners of the idea, York-based Rapita specialists is on hand to offer advice, training The roots of NATEP are in Systems, approached NATEP for advice and and mentoring every step of the way.” the Midlands, building on the MAA’s technology managers were keen to help successful regional Aerospace this project succeed. A collaborative team with www.natep.org.uk Technology Exploitation Programme (ATEP) run by the MAA from 2006-12.

DON’T MISS:

THE NATEP NATIONAL SHOWCASE 2015

Discover new technology in the aerospace supply chain and meet the minds behind the innovations.

12 November 2015, from 9am-4pm, at the Advanced Manufacturing Training The Rapita project team, including Centre in Coventry. colleagues from Rapita, University of York, RRDCS and NATEP.

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 07 SKILLS APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING IS 3 MILLION ENOUGH? THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET OF STARTING THREE MILLION NEW APPRENTICESHIPS BY 2020 MAY FALL SHORT OF WHAT AEROSPACE NEEDS TO STAY AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

The UK government first mentioned the target to create three million new The new Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre is designed to apprenticeships by 2020 in the autumn address the need for apprentices of 2014, with the Prime Minister stating it was at all levels of industry. crucial to long-term economic plans for Britain. Expanding on the plan in August, after the election, he said companies bidding for government contracts worth more than £10 million would have to show they have a “reasonable proportion” of apprentices. The Association of Colleges said delivering three million apprenticeships by 2020 is “quite a challenge but not impossible”. The government also confirmed plans for an apprenticeship levy, a system it says operates successfully in more than 50 countries. Under this plan, large companies would invest in a fund to train workers. The size of the levy has yet to be determined, but it is expected to be in place by April 2017. Mark Stewart, general manager and HR director of Airbus UK, told Midlands Aerospace magazine: “Aerospace has a proud history of providing excellent apprenticeships and I welcome the opportunity to improve the skills needs of aerospace by growing apprenticeships engineers, the service recruits, employs, SKILLS PARTNERSHIP within the sector. trains and develops apprentices in core Rolls-Royce is driving a new initiative, the “Clearly we await the details that sit behind skills and one of four specialisations – CNC Manufacturing Skills Partnership (MSP), which the apprentice levy, but I am hopeful that any machining, automation, metrology or joining/ is designed to address challenges facing the UK concerns of industry should be addressed with a welding technology – before placing them in engineering and manufacturing sector, including pragmatic approach to how the levy will apply in an organisation. The MTC says that for a fixed a widening skills gap, ageing population, practice to ensure the focus is on the quality of cost, employers gain well-trained, work-ready and difficulty in attracting and developing the offering, not just the quantity to be trained.” people with knowledge and skills in advanced engineering talent. EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, was manufacturing technology that might not MSP is a two-year government-funded sceptical about the chances of hitting the three otherwise be available to them. project; Rolls-Royce has been awarded a million target; to do so would need 600,000 new AMTC managing director Paul Rowlett said: £15.3 million grant to tackle skills shortages apprenticeship starts every year. “With a continued shortfall in engineering skills, and share its knowledge and methods with the sector is crying out for new employees with supply chain companies. The project will NEW TRAINING CENTRE OPENS DOORS the specialised skills needed. focus on four themes: pre-employment, A look at a range of current new training initiatives “Many SMEs simply cannot afford the four-year apprenticeships, staff development and aimed at aerospace in the Midlands reveals that investment costs of apprentices, and skilled employer development. high-quality training is the watchword. workers are attracted by the larger players – often Training in two key supply chain clusters at Training providers are moving quickly to fill at salaries smaller companies cannot match. Derby and Coventry will be provided by project the gap. Leading the field is the Manufacturing “We help SMEs by offering apprenticeships partners Derby College and Warwickshire Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, offering which match the skills and individual with the College. Colleges the length of the country will an apprenticeship service for manufacturing business’s specific requirements, ensuring they also be involved, with Rolls-Royce providing employers at its new Advanced Manufacturing are cost-effective and provide tangible value support for both the education providers and Training Centre (AMTC). from day one. This saves employers time and trainees through a ‘support hub’. Designed for organisations that need resources trying to manage the development of SMEs can take advantage of the project’s skilled manufacturing technicians and future new apprentices in-house.” free training needs analysis and free support

08 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE SKILLS APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING

in recruiting new trainees. Subsidies of 50% will help offset the cost of internships, NUMBERS QUESTIONED apprenticeships and staff development. For employers, free mentor and assessor training is designed to help support apprentices. BY JOBS SPECIALISTS SUPPORTING INDUSTRY Recruitment specialists believe a position in the marketplace.” Solihull College is setting up a new Aviation the figure of three million is low, Charlett said the quality of apprenticeships Academy to serve the needs of the growing and suggest that aerospace alone remained an unknown but important factor. “Are aerospace community in and around the West might need close to a third of that number of apprentices going to be trained to the same skill Midlands and Birmingham Airport. apprentices. level, whether they’re apprenticed at specialist The college believes it is well-placed to “It doesn’t go far,” said Matthew Heath, facilities like the MTC or within an SME for support industry by providing apprentices or managing consultant – Aerospace, Defence and whom it’s a cost-effective way of bringing new trainees within production and assembly, design Aviation of recruitment specialist Jonathan Lee. people into the business?” and engineering and R&D roles. “It depends how this number is apportioned He stressed the important role of the education The academy will offer full-time vocational across the UK industrial sectors.” system in making careers in engineering and training from Level 2 to 5. It plans to validate a James Charlett of Consilium Group said: “It manufacturing interesting to students at an early BSc top-up with Coventry University and develop sounds like a lot of people, but if you break three age. Many who are attracted to the aerospace apprentice programmes with local employers million down in sectors over the next seven sector don’t realise all the affiliated jobs it which align to the new Trailblazer Standards. years, it’s not such a daunting figure.” encompasses, for example in MRO. He said “a By improving the physical connection of Aerospace faces a number of challenges, significant shortage” of skilled engineers means employers and students to appropriate training said Heath. “We’ve gone through the design those who are qualified are in demand around for both the aeronautical and aviation industry, the phase; now we’re into supporting build rates the world. academy will be helping to enable an expansion in – for components, systems and aircraft. The Charlett said the shortfall in expertise has MRO work based in the West Midlands. demand now is for well-trained and aerospace- become more apparent in the last 5-6 years, orientated apprentices.” especially with growth in the Midlands of WHAT NEXT FOR APPRENTICES? The growth in opportunity is quite real for industries such as automotive which University of Wolverhampton’s “innovative” apprentices working with companies developing compete for the same skill sets. “Aerospace two-year accelerated degree programme was a younger workforce in support of capacity loses people to automotive, which sees developed by manufacturers for manufacturers, demands as well as a need for staff in the aerospace as an area to find good people,” the university says. future. “We’re getting closer to seeing the he said. “I think you can see the impact of Local manufacturing companies, many impact throughout the supply chain of increased aerospace experience in the improved quality from the aerospace sector, were consulted production rates,” he added. of today’s cars. three years ago when the university’s BEng in The focus of apprenticeships will change to “This is going to create a big problem in the Manufacturing Engineering was set up. Its first meet the demands of new technologies, for aerospace sector in 5-20 years,” he said. “We’ve graduates are expected in 2016. example in composites and electronics. noticed apprentices moving on after 4-5 years. The university said the course is designed Heath added that today’s apprentices are It’s not like the old days. Many people move jobs to benefit existing employees, those wishing to not just machine operators or manufacturing – it’s a lot easier now. build on completed apprenticeships, or mature engineers but people trained with these “We need to ensure the apprentices we train candidates with manufacturing experience. and other diverse skill sets. “The aerospace in the aerospace sector stay there. We need to Currently about 80% of students on the course industry is not just about making parts. There’s come up with a cross-business approach to how at the Telford Innovation Campus are aerospace so much going on around the aircraft and their we can ensure the best calibre of candidates are supply chain employees. operation. All these companies and crafts have attracted to aerospace and stay.”

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 09 INNOVATION NEW IDEAS FROM THE MIDLANDS

Midlands manufacturing often combines innovation and traditional workmanship. NATEP, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme, is now fuelling an acceleration in new technology. In this feature, we highlight recent achievements of a selection of MAA members. MAJOR STEP IN MAGNESIUM Redditch-based Mettis Aerospace cabin interior manufacturer have also proved has taken a major step forward in the “immensely successful”, said Mettis. manufacture of forged magnesium Technical sales executive Peter Bishop components. These forged components, which said: “Initial market research indicates a huge offer a 20-25% weight saving opportunity, are opportunity for forged components in this new being pioneered in applications such as cabin alloy, and Mettis Aerospace, as the world leader and interior fittings. in the forging and machining of this alloy, is well In a NATEP new technology project (partly placed to support market growth and demand. funded by AMSCI), Mettis Aerospace has been “As interest increases, we are working the lead company in developing the forged towards building an integrated supply chain parameters for this material. Recent forging for forged and machined products utilising this trials have proved successful in achieving the magnesium alloy.” A dedicated laboratory wrought properties and standard specification ■ www.mettis-aerospace.com supports metallurgical requirements. Product trials at a leading Cover photo: Manufacture of precision forgings. investigations at Mettis.

to help put a miniature Micro’s photo etching and surveillance UAV in the air. wire EDM technologies. The engine of the Other components that tiny aircraft operates could not be manufactured using miniature motor by conventional means are laminations, etched to the magnetic pole plates tight tolerances. These used to tilt the rotors and laminations utilise steer the nano UAV. An blades, which a spokesman Precision Micro’s ‘R ambient, non-contact described as “one of the bond’ technique, which process, photo chemical harshest environments an uses the photoresist etching does not induce any interconnection system can Delcam demonstates milling it needs, and then protecting the material material stresses. work in.” Tekdata produced robotic blade polishing worked with appropriate surface during chemical ■ www.precisionmicro. three-dimensional shaped A system for polishing tools. The process is etching as the bonding com components accurate to turbine blades by robot to repeated until the blade agent. Precision Micro 1mm, with location points individual specifications conforms to standard. says this approach offers Shaped interconnecting and clamp pads built in, demonstrates the adaptive “This system could be improved performance systems completely from 3D machining technology applied to many manual over conventional punched, Tekdata Interconnections, CAD models. capabilities of Birmingham- finishing type operations,” riveted, or welded the Stoke-on-Trent cabling ■ www.tekdata- based Delcam. The system, said Delcam marketing laminations. A further specialist, has perfected a interconnect.com developed by Delcam manager Peter Dickin. “It’s engine component in the system of manufacturing Professional Services typical of broader changes UAV (which requires micro wires into precise shapes New benchmark in association with JOT in industry. People can be radii) can only be produced that fit the devices they in cutting fluid Automation of Finland, deployed on jobs that are by combining Precision connect. The system uses A new soluble uses an ABB robot driven more rewarding for them woven ribbon cable inside a metalworking fluid by Delcam software and the company.” jacket or shell and delivers designed to comply with including PowerMILL ■ www.delcam.co.uk what the company claims global environmental Robot and PowerINSPECT. is a “huge performance and health and safety In the process, each Precision etching enhancement”. A recent requirements has been blade is picked up from on micro UAV application of this new introduced by Fuchs a conveyor by the robot, Midlands-based Precision system was providing Lubricants UK. Described measured to determine Micro has used a novel electrical power for as a “new benchmark” in the amount of polishing or photo etching technique de-icing helicopter rotor cutting fluid, Fuchs Ecocool

10 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE INNOVATION NEW IDEAS FROM THE MIDLANDS

(lab 6202) to add to its Ted Adkins tests an oxygen existing accreditations. mask with a high-altitude The new scope qualifies jump in the Himalayas. Phoenix to test components and materials that do not have a set international standard and still give the customer a UKAS certificate. Managing director Vicki Wilkes said Global 10 has been flexible scope is “unusual developed to provide and not given to many test excellent levels of lubricity, labs.” Short turnaround, cooling and corrosion in-house testing of bespoke protection while free of and one-off products is boron, traditional biocides beyond the capabilities The ultimate Trust in your supplier and other SVHC registered of many companies, she components. It is aimed said. “We’ve already tested Confidence in your suppliers from design consultation toward the at ‘difficult to machine’ hydraulic systems for an has particular significance for volume production that Trust is set up for materials such as titanium, aerospace customer to Ted Atkins, principal of Topout with its four Citizen M32 VIII sliding head Inconel, stainless steels issue them the appropriate Oxygeneering. Atkins not only designs O2 machines. and sensitive aerospace UKAS certification without systems for pilots, mountaineers and high “From producing the specialist tapered aluminium alloys. needing pre-approval for altitude skydivers, he tests them himself thread, engineering our way around Product/technical that component test.” in the Himalayas at altitudes where a flaw reducing the number of components, using manager Paul Tierney said ■ www. could prove fatal. state-of-the-art equipment incorporating customers have reported as phoenixcalibration.co.uk Atkins, a former RAF chief engineering a new seal design, we helped Ted reach much as a 43% reduction aerospace officer, has been working 100% success – no leaks, less weight and a in tooling costs when using with Nottingham-based Trust Precision simpler design – within months,” said Trust the latest Ecocool Global 10 Engineering for several years and credits managing director Nick Street. technology. the company’s technical excellence and Trust Precision emphasises quality ■ www.fuchslubricants. can-do attitude with his own success. in everything it does, from its machines, com Trust Precision’s on-time delivery of tooling and materials to the ongoing oxygen mask components machined to training for its staff of 10. In four years, Phoenix gains UKAS very high standards gave him confidence to the company has expanded to a £1 million flexible scope engage Trust on new developments, and he annual operation. Black Country-based has just secured a major US contract. Added Nick: “We understand that a Phoenix Calibration and “Without doubt our expansion is largely customer’s business needs to be a success Services has combined its due to the level of cooperation that we for us to survive, or in the case of Ted expertise in manufacturing have enjoyed with Trust,” he said. “Trust do Atkins, for the customer to survive for us to and using test machines what they say on the packet: they deliver be a success! to gain UKAS accreditation excellence, on time. I could not imagine “Reputation is everything.” for flexible scope for sub working with another company.” www.trustprecisionengineering. contract mechanical testing The work with Trust Precision grew co.uk

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 11 TRANSNETAERO INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

12 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE THE VIEW FROM WESTMINSTER “I have been hugely impressed by the people

I have met and their ambition to succeed..” Anna Soubry, the new UK industry minister, is encouraged by what she has seen and heard in her first meetings with Midlands aerospace companies.

Aerospace is a major, “We cannot assume that The prize is large, with a national success global market requirement story – the UK has the because we enjoy a 17% for some 29,000 new large leading aerospace industry in global market share passenger aircraft worth a Europe and is second only to the staggering £2.9 trillion by United States globally. today, that will also 2032; and a further We punch above our be the case in the £1 trillion market, in the same weight, with leading design, timescale, for business jets, manufacturing and support future. International regional jets and helicopters. capabilities across the spectrum competition is However, we cannot of aerospace products. We intensifying and the assume that because we excel at some of the most enjoy a 17% global market complex parts, including pace of technological share today, that will also wings, engines and a range change is rapid.” be the case in the future. of advanced systems. International competition is The sector supports around 225,000 From that meeting it was clear that the intensifying and the pace of technological jobs, around half directly, with pay industry is focussed sharply on the need to change is rapid. around 50% above the national average increase productivity and competitiveness of The government will therefore continue and about a third higher than the suppliers; diversifying its customer base and to work closely with the industry around manufacturing average. increasing exports; and raising skills levels. this agenda, including with the Midlands Aerospace is important to my own In June, I opened new aerospace research Aerospace Alliance – we value the Broxtowe constituency – which sits and additive manufacturing facilities at contribution played by Andrew Mair and within the Midlands aerospace cluster – the Manufacturing Technology Centre the MAA in representing the interests of and many of my constituents work in the (MTC). Here I met with engineers from companies like the four I have already sector, spanning large companies such industry and academia, working together visited in the region. as Rolls-Royce and small and medium- to develop groundbreaking manufacturing Government will continue to focus sized enterprises. technologies, to give our companies a its efforts on helping to increase Soon after starting my role as Minister competitive edge. productivity and growth, raise skill for Small Business, Industry and I’ve also visited ambitious Midlands- levels – particularly through more Enterprise, I met with representatives based smaller companies in the supply apprenticeships – and get more from companies of all sizes involved chain – Indestructible Paint, Dunlop companies exporting. in the Aerospace Growth Partnership Aircraft Tyres (both based in Birmingham), I look forward to seeing companies in (AGP), the sector council, to hear directly CFS Aeroproducts (Coventry), and Winbro the Midlands powering the UK aerospace the challenges they face, what they (Coalville in Leicestershire). I have been industry to success. were doing to address these, and to hugely impressed by the people I have met understand where the government has a at these companies, their superb technology www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for- legitimate role to assist. and products, and their ambition to succeed. business-innovation-skills

MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 13 PROFILE VIEW FROM THE MAA BOARDROOM I’m keen that we get closer to our members. I’m very much for making the ‘voice of the customer’ heard. Wendy Stopher, purchasing development executive – process & governance at Rolls-Royce, believes a career in aerospace will benefit from time spent away in another industry.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? about that. They may feel women aren’t I was originally a physicist. I joined BAE given the same opportunities that men get. Systems – British Aerospace as it was then But in engineering, when the number of – straight from university as a research females coming through is low, it’s hardly engineer, had various posts in engineering surprising more males make it to the top. and manufacturing and ended up – by accident – in procurement. I couldn’t get WHAT PART OF YOUR JOB DO YOU parts for the programme I was working on MOST ENJOY? and in one of those ‘how hard can it be?’ I enjoy the variety in my role. I get the moments, joined procurement and never biggest buzz from delivering change left. About 12 years ago I left aerospace to programmes with people from various join a smaller engineering and technology backgrounds, influencing people who don’t company in the industrial printing sector. report to me, getting consensus across It was a great experience. I completed my functions. I like being out of my comfort MBA while working there and returned zone, being creative, solving problems that to aerospace two years ago with, I hope, people say can’t be fixed. I like challenging broader experience and fresh ideas. the status quo, making a difference, looking “One of my mentors (I’ve had back on the successful completion of what COULD SOMEONE STARTING TODAY several) told me to listen – someone said was impossible. FOLLOW THE SAME PATH? Absolutely – but it’s not the only route. really listen, actively listen WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE AS Everyone needs to carve out their own – don’t prejudge what’s being AN MAA BOARD DIRECTOR? path based on individual strengths, style, It’s a chance to share my experience with preferences and so on. A background said or go in with precon- SMEs to help them grow their businesses in manufacturing and post-graduate ceived ideas.” and capabilities. Being on the MAA board experience is a great route to success is an opportunity to support SMEs in our in our industry, but it depends where sector – and hopefully also to bring new you want to take your career. The MBA preconceived ideas. My mentors have been ideas into the alliance. gave me opportunities to meet people consistent about that over the years. I’ve just taken over the chair of the MAA outside aerospace and to gain a different Business Development working group. perspective. That’s important. Sometimes IS IT A BONUS OR HANDICAP BEING One of the things we’re working on is how in a big business, good ideas get lost as A WOMAN IN INDUSTRY? to make the network stronger and the the corporate machine keeps turning. I don’t give it much thought; I don’t alliance more personal and accessible Aerospace is a fantastic environment with a think that way. I’ve never felt I was at a to more companies. I’m keen that we get lot of niche practices, but it does us good to disadvantage or have been given roles closer to our members. I’m very much look outside from time to time. because of my gender. From time to time, for making the ‘voice of the customer’ I’ve been chosen for certain showcase heard. The MAA has done a great job in WHAT WAS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE events as the token female, so I got more supporting businesses. I think we have to FROM YOUR FORMATIVE YEARS? exposure and visibility because of it. ask members what they need and make I remember it vividly. One of my mentors Diversity is important and valued, but our business plan responsive. (I’ve had several) told me to listen looking at the stats there aren’t many – really listen, actively listen – don’t females at the top in engineering www.rolls-royce.com prejudge what’s being said or go in with businesses. People do express concern

14 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE FOR YOUR DIARY ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/EVENTS CALENDAR NEW MEMBERS NATEP SHOWCASE 2015 AEROSPACE & DEFENSE The MAA welcomes the following new members Advanced Manufacturing MEETINGS TORINO Training Centre, Coventry, Turin, Italy ADI GROUP COMPUTER OERLIKON BALZERS 12 November 18 November Kings Norton, West CONTROLLED COATING UK A showcase to celebrate the Join the MAA and UKTI at the Midlands SOLUTIONS Tilbrook, success of companies partici- only big event for buyers and Multi-discipline Honiley, Buckinghamshire pating in NATEP, to give them suppliers which is targeted at engineering solutions. Warwickshire Global coating a platform to talk about their Italy, Europe’s fourth-largest LabVIEW-based service for tools and projects, and to network. aerospace industry. APT LEICESTER software, signal components. Groby, conditioning and turnkey Leicestershire solutions, consultancy PRYOR MARKING CZECH AEROSPACE INSIDE MOOG WITH Precision turned services and bespoke TECHNOLOGY VISITS THE MAA THE MAA components and training. Sheffield Venue TBC, 26 November Moog Aircraft Group, precision prismatic Design and manufacture An excellent opportunity for Wolverhampton, 26 January 2016 parts. ELG UTICA ALLOYS of permanent marking MAA members to meet and A chance to learn how to align Manvers, systems. network with representatives of business strategies and meet BLUE SKY INDUSTRIES South Yorkshire the Czech Republic’s aerospace the requirements of rapidly EUROPE Processing, sourcing THERMOCOAX UK industry. evolving global aerospace Norton Canes, and supplying high- Solihull, players like Moog. Staffordshire performance alloys and West Midlands Aerospace hardware metals globally. Engineered thermal products and solutions. For further distributor. THE MAA ANNUAL IJS GLOBAL UK information and CONFERENCE BORWELL Birmingham THOMAS BROWN to book your place Venue TBC, Malvern, UK and international ENGINEERING at an MAA event, please March 2016 Worcestershire transport and logistics Huddersfield, The MAA annual conference scan the QR code or visit Software creation solutions. West Yorkshire is a key event on the UK aero- www.midlandsaerospace. from conception to Provision of aviation space calendar with its balance org.uk/events installation. KUEHNE + NAGEL grade precision of insights from large and small Sutton Coldfield, components and industry players. CALTHERM (UK) West Midlands assemblies. Chesterton, Global logistics provider. Staffordshire WITHERS AND ROGERS Design and MATERIALS Leamington Spa, manufacture of ENGINEERING & Warwickshire industrial ovens, TESTING UK and European ABOUT THE MAA… furnaces and dryers. Worcester patent and trade mark The Midlands Aerospace Engineering laboratory attorneys with specific Alliance (MAA) is the voice and consultancy. aerospace expertise. of companies in the British Midlands supplying global Become a member of the MAA and join the 300+ other aerospace. Its 300 member companies and organisations who are already enjoying the organisations range from benefits of belonging to one of Europe’s largest aerospace global aerospace players industry trade groups. It costs your company only £395 per to SMEs. The MAA board year if you are in the Midlands or £590 if not. comprises senior managers from Meggitt, Moog Aircraft For information about membership in the MAA, go to our website: Group, Rolls-Royce and UTAS supply chain representatives midlandsaerospace.org.uk or contact the MAA office. Actuation Systems, elected and key regional partner bodies.

For additional copies of Midlands Aerospace, or to add your colleagues to the distribution database, please contact the MAA www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/join by any of the means below.

If you have a query or suggestion T: +44 (0) 2476 430250 that you would like to make, please F: +44 (0) 2476 430251 contact the MAA. E: [email protected]

Produced for the MAA by 44 Communications Ltd (P1224) WE ARE MAKING IDEAS NATEP National Aerospace Technology HAPPEN Exploitation Programme

Advanced Manufacturing Showcase 2015: Training Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry CV7 9JU New technology Thursday in the aerospace 12 November 2015 supply chain 09.00 – 16.30

More than 200 UK aerospace suppliers are developing new technologies for the global aerospace industry with support from NATEP and companies including AgustaWestland, Airbus, Bombardier, Cobham, GKN, Meggitt and Rolls-Royce. You are warmly invited to attend this national showcase event.

WHO IS THIS SHOWCASE FOR? AEROSPACE PRIMES OR TIER 1S – BASED IN THE UK OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD: They will find out how their company can benefit from more than 100 new technologies being developed by the UK aerospace supply chain to reduce aircraft weight, improve safety, cut costs and meet their other objectives: • New manufacturing processes • Finishing • Design and modelling software tools • Big data • Electrical and electronic components • UAVs • Supply chain management software • Ground support/ MRO • Novel composites • Additive layer manufacturing • New materials • Graphene • Interiors and on-board equipment • COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN A NATEP PROJECT: They will be introducing their new ideas or showing off their technology by making a presentation or exhibiting! OTHER STAKEHOLDERS IN THE AEROSPACE COMMUNITY: All are welcome to attend this first NATEP showcase.

HOW TO REGISTER This event is free to attend, thanks to the support of NATEP by the government’s AMSCI fund. Register through the following link: www.natep.org.uk/natep-showcase-event