MIDLANDS
AEROSPACEISSUE 49. SUMMER 2019 MAGAZINE MEETING UP IN PARIS
Meet the MAA members exhibiting this year – See pages 7 to 10 Cover image © SIAE 2017 - Anthony Guerra & Alex Marc © SIAE 2017 - REA Marc & Alex image © SIAE 2017 - Anthony Guerra Cover MAKE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION ATTRACTING NEW TALENT CELEBRATING MIDLANDS’ WORK FOR YOU TO AEROSPACE CONTRIBUTION TO CONCORDE Read how three MAA How are MAA members addressing Discover the 30+ Midlands manufacturers members use social media. See page 4 their skills gaps? See page 5 that made it fly. See page 12 Update INDUSTRY KEYNOTE SPEAKERS CREATES RUNWAY TO SUCCESS 350 DELEGATES 200 COMPANIES 11 COUNTRIES 3,000 B2B MEETINGS PLENTY OF NETWORKING This year’s headline statistics made Aerospace Forum Birmingham one of the highest profile events in the aerospace calendar.
Held in March at the Birmingham International Convention Centre, the event played host to leading businesses and industry figures, who spent three days deliberating over the market opportunities and pressing issues facing aircraft and engine makers, first-tier suppliers and the global supply chain.
The first part of the forum featured the MAA Conference. This was followed by two days of B2B meetings organised by French B2B experts BCI Aerospace, the MAA’s forum partner. B2B MEETING OPPORTUNITIES BEHIND THE SCENES AT ROLLS-ROYCE CONTROL SYSTEMS
MAA members recently enjoyed chain. They were then taken on a tour an entire day at Rolls-Royce of the management organisation’s Control Systems’ site at electronic and hydromechanical Birmingham Business Park. manufacturing and engineering test facilities. THE VISIT GAVE INSIGHT INTO A total of 40 visitors from a wide range FUTURE STRATEGY, TECHNOLOGY of aerospace companies received The day, which was sponsored by AND PROCUREMENT presentations on the company’s Robin Hill, MAA Director and Head of products, strategic direction and supply Electronics at Rolls-Royce, was the latest ‘Inside… with the MAA’ event.
NEWS ON MAA EVENTS NETWORK OVER DRINKS BEFORE DINNER We are holding our first Midlands Aerospace dinner at the Paris Air Show, on 18 June at Les Noces de Jeannette restaurant in central Paris. To book your place, visit www.midlandsaerospace. org.uk/events/maa-paris-dinner-2019 The 2019 MAA annual black-tie dinner gives guests the chance to gather for an evening of aerospace and defence industry networking. Build on your business relationships and BOOK NOW BOOK NOW create new ones, whilst enjoying a VIP speaker and after-dinner ANNUAL DINNER PARIS DINNER entertainment. Not to be missed! 18 JUNE www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/events/maa-dinner-2019 10 OCTOBER 2019 2019
02 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE GKN SHARED THEIR ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/NEWS EXPERIENCES AND PLANS MAA SEES GKN’S ADDITIVE ON THE MANUFACTURING UP CLOSE NEWS WEB Participants were full of For the most recent news updates click through to praise following www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/news the latest DRAMA event held at GKN in Filton on 30 April, set up by the MAA and Supporting the automotive sector’s move towards the Manufacturing Technology Centre. electrification and the aerospace industry’s desire for lightweight parts has helped Advanced Chemical Etching boost its sales by 40%.
ROLLS-ROYCE TO HOST The Manufacturing Technology Centre has launched a ‘Factory in a Box’ demonstrator that shows businesses how NEW TECHNOLOGY EVENT they can grow through the adoption of smart manufacturing Discover what supply chain companies have achieved techniques. at the second national NATEP 2 project dissemination event on 10 July at Collins Aerospace’s ‘junior factory’ is open. It is a fully Rolls-Royce in Derby. Look out for details! BOOK NOW functioning business that supplies shims to the facility and NATEP EVENT is being led by graduates and apprentice employees. 10 JULY One of the most powerful presses in the UK has entered 2019 production at Mettis Aerospace. The 40-tonne hammer press will be as powerful as a 20,000-tonne hydraulic press.
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BOOK NOW ANNUAL DINNER We will be available to meet at the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, 19th and 20th June 2019. 10 OCTOBER If you would like to arrange a meeting, please e-mail: [email protected] 2019
MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 03 THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
MAKING THE MOST OF SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MARKETING
Aerospace is a sector that is applauded for its LUKE PARKER AT ACRES advances in technology, yet as an industry, it has been slow at embracing social media to its ENGINEERING SHARES HIS TIPS: own advantage. To harness recruitment potential, boost You can use LinkedIn for recruitment, developing a supplier business and sector awareness, share expertise and build base, connecting to like-minded individuals, gaining insight into relationships, a greater adoption of digital technology is new technology, and growing your business, amongst other things. needed, and quickly. Understand your target audience. Keep your posts short, Three members of the MAA, Bromford Industries, Kepston interesting and measurable, in regard to how much engagement and Acres Engineering, highlight the benefits and potential you are getting. that social media and digital technology offer. Try posting on different days and at different times; does your audience access LinkedIn in the AM or PM? Try to have FUN! People choose to access LinkedIn for their own BROMFORD INDUSTRIES interests, but always maintain professionalism. MAXIMISES TWITTER REACH Go and update your profile, engage and connect with the world! Bromford Industries uses social media and takes a content marketing approach using blogging and micro-blogging through Twitter to good effect. The company uses the platform to interact with other manufacturing companies, industry KEPSTON’S YOUTUBE SUCCESS press and government organisations, boosting its reach, The company uses Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, with YouTube brand awareness and developing industry relationships and being a particular success – its first video reached over 17,000 collaboration. Bromford Industries has also embraced digital views. Supplementing this social media with interactive marketing. It revealed its video brochures at the Farnborough marketing, Kepston has been able to grow its brand awareness, International Air Show in 2018, providing an innovative, multi- differentiate itself from its competitors, gather qualified leads, sensory way to share its new corporate video. increase its profits and open up new market sectors.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @MAAaero @Bromford_Ind @AcresEng @KepstonLimited
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04 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE THE SKILLS GAP MAA MEMBERS TAKE ACTION ATTRACTING NEW TALENT TO AEROSPACE
Talent comes in many forms: from young people BOEING’S BUILD-A-PLANE entering their first job to experienced engineers who fancy a change of scenery, transferring their CHALLENGE skills and knowledge from a different sector into the Created to inspire young people into STEM (Science aerospace industry. Technology Engineering and Maths) careers, Boeing’s Build- a-Plane Challenge has seen the company supply kit planes to Aerospace is innovative, exciting and full of potential as a schools throughout the UK. career, but how can businesses attract new talent to the sector across the span of age, skills and experience? To date, the programme has engaged more than 3,500 teenagers since 2012. Its most recent project, sponsored by See our three tips to get you started. For more detailed Nasmyth Group, took place at Ernesford Grange Community information with insights from MAA members have a Academy in Coventry. The plane was assembled by 33 look at news stories on our website from companies like students, 11 volunteers and school staff before successfully AE Aerospace, ADI Group, Consilium, JJ Churchill and completing its first public flight at Coventry Airport – the Nasmyth Group www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk. fourth plane of the challenge to be certified to fly by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA).
TIPS TO GIVE YOU INSPIRATION:
1. EDUCATE AND INSPIRE Young minds are full of curiosity and aerospace is an industry that can and does inspire awe. This needs to be instilled at an early age, which is why AE Aerospace and ADI Group both work closely with their local schools. 2. SHOWCASE THE VARIETY Aerospace offers a wide range of job prospects in a variety of roles to suit all ages and abilities. From apprentice machine operators to experienced engineers, companies need to actively promote the opportunities available within their communities. 3. HIGHLIGHT LONGEVITY Publicise the rich heritage and future-proof nature of the industry – many jobseekers are seeking a career with long-term security, which many aerospace companies in the Midlands already offer.
MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 05 WORLD AEROSPACE COMES TOGETHER PARIS AIR SHOW 2019 PARIS AIRSHOW IS READY FOR TAKE OFF
The world’s aerospace industry is gearing up for the the show attracted 142,000 trade visitors to a venue which 53rd Paris Airshow. One of the most prestigious events accommodated 2,381 exhibitors from 48 countries. in the industry’s calendar takes place 17–23 June 2019 at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions. The MAA will be out In the face of Brexit, there has never been a better time to in force helping members network, raise their profile and demonstrate that the Midlands and the UK are ready to meet join delegates from around the world in exploring the latest the industry’s requirements. The Paris Airshow provides an technological innovations. invaluable platform to promote members’ offerings, engage with customers and reach key decision makers. The MAA will be exhibiting with 14 of its members, showcasing the best of Midlands manufacturing and providing the ideal The MAA’s stand will be located within the UK Pavilion and base to meet with new and existing clients. Their pods on the accommodate 22 exhibition pods, twice as many as in 2017. MAA stand will put our region’s representatives at the heart For the first time, the MAA is also inviting members to attend of the industry’s global supply chain, gathered to discuss the a specially organised business networking dinner, on Tuesday challenges and opportunities ahead. 18 June at Les Noces de Jeannette restaurant in central Paris.
The first Paris Airshow was held in 1909 and since Leave us your business card for a chance to then it has flourished to become the largest and win our Concorde 50th celebration competition. longest-running aerospace trade show in the world. In 2017
VISIT US IN HALL 2B, STANDS F188 & G183
06 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE MEET THE PARIS EXHIBITORS ON THE MAA STANDS, HALL 2B, F188 & G183
REVOLUTIONARY IDEAS IN MOTION SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS
Carter Manufacturing has been systems to antennas, fuel pumps, The Bibus Metals Group has sales throughout the Group companies, providing revolutionary ideas ram air turbines, rocket engine offices and warehouses in the UK, many of which are AS9120 in motion since 1999. Being valves, turbo pumps, rotorcraft Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, approved. Bibus Metals can also accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 transmissions and aircraft turbine Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, source products from its mill incorporating AS9120 RevB, engines. Russia and China in addition to its partners with whom the company the company is able to provide head office in Zurich, Switzerland. has long-standing relationships. customers with on-time service In addition to this, Carter supplies The purpose of the company is to for all standard and specialist UNASIS aerospace bearing tooling supply nickel alloys, titanium and In addition to supplying from aerospace bearing requirements. for the correct installation, testing titanium alloys to all industries, stock, Bibus Metals can also and removal of aerospace spherical including power generation and source materials from a number Carter Manufacturing is proud to plain bearings. Please visit aerospace. of suppliers, which it has strong be the European Master Distributor Carter at Hall B, Stand F188 for a partnerships with. for custom aerospace bearing demonstration. Products include all wrought forms specialist Napoleon Engineering such as plate, sheet, bar, tube etc. Contact: Ian Hedley Services (NES). NES provides Contact: Hussain Lalani Complete packages of products can T: +44 (0)7850 704177 engineered bearings in small order T: +44 (0)1865 821820 be offered including cut pieces. E: [email protected] quantities and fast lead times to the E: [email protected] Extensive stocks are held W: www.bibusmetals.com aerospace industry and other high W: www.carterbearings.co.uk technology markets. NES uses a wide variety of bearing materials to suit the customer’s specific application, which can vary from satellite and UAV arm actuation
EXPANDING ITS UK FACILITY PROVIDING MARKET-LEADING SOLUTIONS NEW LARGE VOLUME CAPABILITIES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT LINES CW Fletcher is expanding its current facility, G&O Springs comes to Paris re-invigorated by adding a new 2,000 square metre building onto Surface Finishing Engineering Ltd is widespread major developments in its its existing UK site, in line with strong order recognised as a world-class supplier of manufacturing plant and processes. book growth from its diverse customer base. high quality surface treatment process lines and associated equipment designed for Over the last year, the company has added CNC This growth has been five years in the planning any chemical process that is required for coiling to its capabilities to reduce costs and and implementation and is another sign of the any industry, concentrated mainly within increase capacity, with very encouraging results. company’s continuing success in diversifying its the aerospace sector for new component growing customer base. manufacture, airframe components, wing Managing Director Steve Boyd says G&O is looking components, engine hardware and at growth of more than 50% after adding a complete Coupled with this facility growth is over £2.5m engine MRO. auto-coiling department. The first of three new cells worth of investment in new 5 axis milling and has been set up and is being commissioned. turning machine tools. SFE offers a design service to ensure the process line meets the bespoke requirements “We have always been seen by our customers as “We are really excited about our growth to £27m of the end user and ensures that the process a small volume, niche supplier,” he said. “This in 2019 and the building of our new facility is line design and build satisfy the exacting development allows us to achieve the same excellent the culmination of this success. Our new and standards of the aerospace industry. levels of quality in much higher and more cost- existing customers are placing their trust in our effective production runs. Our weekly output has capabilities,” said Richard Phillips, Business SFE process lines vary from complete fully risen by 46%, but we are targeting an additional 50% Development Manager. automated lines with PLC/SCADA control increase with the new system.” systems, semi-automated lines and a range CW Fletcher operates in the aerospace, space of manually operated process lines. It is an Around £375,000 has been invested to date, with and nuclear market sectors in size ranges up to approved supplier to some of the largest additional spending set to take place later this year. two metres in diameter. aerospace OEMs in the world. Contact: Steve Boyd Contact: Richard J Phillips Contact: Vic Delveir T: +44 (0)1527 523764 T: +44 (0)7713 566079 T: +44 (0)1902 409186 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.springs.aero W: www.cwfletcher.co.uk W: www.sfeuk.com
MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 07 MEET THE PARIS EXHIBITORS ON THE MAA STANDS, HALL 2B, F188 & G183
SUSTAINABLE, WORLD-LEADING AEROSPACE RESEARCH The University of Nottingham’s and regional aerospace Institute for Aerospace companies and aviation sector Technology (IAT) is a major leaders, it is developing the • Aerospace Operations hub catalysing, integrating cutting-edge technologies that • Aerospace Materials and Structures and promoting world-leading will radically improve all aspects aerospace research, technology of future aerospace. If you share its ambition and passion development and innovative to discover the next innovation within teaching for the aerospace sector Its ambition and drive make the aerospace, the IAT would like to hear of the future. IAT a partner of choice in five key from you. areas of research: The IAT supports a 400-strong, Contact: Tanja Siggs multi-disciplinary team of leading • Aerospace Electrification T: +44 (0)7773 033185 researchers. Together with global • Future Flight E: [email protected] • Aerospace Manufacturing W: www.nottingham.ac.uk/aerospace
SIGMA DRIVES PRODUCT INNOVATION FOR COST AND WEIGHT
Sigma Components is working in partnership Sigma’s New Product Introduction and R&D savings of more with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to develop team, comprising dedicated design engineers, than 50% versus new technologies to improve environmental fabrications and pipe engineering specialists, traditionally performance and reduce product cost. CNC programmers, commercial engineers, manufactured project managers and even engineering interns, components. Mark Johnson, founder and CEO, said: “Thanks invests in its own R&D, working closely with to our new technology, multi-site capabilities customers to innovate and add value. The R&D and our focus on lifecycle management, our programmes have innovations offer a real step change for future The R&D team is already revolutionising been supported aircraft performance.” component design with its SigmaLite range by investments of lightweight composite and additive- from the National Sigma’s world-class centre for new product manufactured components, while the NPI team Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme introduction allows the team to look at the full is delivering exciting new parts for a range of (NATEP), Sharing in Growth, CleanSky product lifecycle – from initial R&D and NPI to full applications. As the aerospace supply chain programme and the Advanced Manufacturing production – whenever a new product is devised. undergoes a period of substantial change, the Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI). Most recently, company sees a real opportunity to work more Sigma has been awarded a grant by the Johnson added: “It’s an approach that is proving closely with OEMs and Tier 1 customers to drive Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) to lead popular with both aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 innovation in the sector. a £1.4m collaborative R&D project to develop customers around the world.” production methods for its composite pipes and The capabilities and cost structures of Sigma’s transmission shafts. “Being able to offer this in-house capability UK and Chinese operations mean the team can means we can take an idea from initial concept optimise performance and competitiveness For more information on Sigma’s product – testing that idea with customers and securing throughout the supply chain. portfolio and range of value-added services, visit development funding – right through to devising Hall 2B, Stand G183. the method, tooling and production procedures, Sigma will be showcasing its capabilities at before moving into full production. This work is Paris Air Show including new products from Contact: Mark Lambert also supported by our Chinese facilities, which Sigma’s ongoing R&D programmes. These T: +44 (0)7833 595213 are increasingly taking on their own NPI work, include composite pipes (COMPipe), lightweight E: [email protected] not simply delivering new products developed in end fittings and composite drive shafts for W: www.sigmacomponents.com the UK.” airframe and aero-engines, offering weight
08 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE MEET THE PARIS EXHIBITORS ON THE MAA STANDS, HALL 2B, F188 & G183
INVESTMENT FUELS EXPANSION In addition, £1m has been invested in Spincraft’s Newcastle plant. The Spincraft and Enginetics are at Paris to investment has enabled the plant to showcase manufacturing processes and expand its capacity and in-house vertical hardware components integral to their integration capabilities within the aviation expanding roles in the aviation market. and space markets. The newly built cell Spincraft’s current Airbus contract includes includes CNC forming, machining, CMM single-piece and machined lip skins for inspection, fluorescent penetrant and A320NEO LEAP and A350 nacelles. This robotic surface finishing. ETG now offers complements earlier A320NEO awards on customers full turnkey manufacturing the geared turbo fan engine, and five-piece solutions that are crucial to meeting their exhaust plug and nozzle sets. long-term needs.
Enginetics’ extensive metal forming, metal Together, Spincraft and Enginetics make joining and precision machining capabilities up Standex International’s Engineering support a broad range of next generation Technology Group. With six facilities engines, including GTF and LEAP. throughout the UK and US, the group provides global manufacturing solutions To support increased volume, a new 7,246 via collaborative engineering efforts. square metre Spincraft facility opened in Precision metal forming technologies are 2016. The plant, located in the US state of supplemented with vertically integrated Wisconsin, specialises in aluminium close manufacturing processes to support tolerance air inlet components including aviation, defence and space system clad products for the business jet market. markets. Recent investments include an additional heat treatment facility, capable of supporting Contact: Steve Ireland single-piece lip skin production for the twin T: +44 (0)7780 997811 aisle market. E: [email protected] W: www.standexetg.com
CONTINUING TO INCREASE AEROSPACE CAPACITY ULTIMATE PRECISION, ULTIMATE QUALITY, ULTIMATE POSSIBILITIES…
Leading manufacturer of of a second HAAS UMC-750, 5 Internationally recognised, Ted Yarnall, Operations Director, said: premium quality castings axis machining centre and the Columbia’s reputation for supplying “Continuous investment into innovative Maycast-Nokes Precision commissioning of a brand new high quality precision components technologies and the latest modern Engineering is recognised as gravity die foundry.” to aerospace, nuclear, defence, plant ensures that we remain cost the UK’s most comprehensive motorsport, petrochemical and competitive on the world stage; it gives foundry. In addition to its extensive foundry medical industries is unrivalled. us the ability to reduce the number and machining services, the of operations, in return reducing The Essex-based aerospace company’s Nadcap-approved Two sites in the West Midlands, cost for customers – providing a cost foundry offers fully finished X-ray/PFD departments are situated near all the major motorway competitive alternative to low-cost precision sand, investment and able to develop bespoke process network links, offer lights out economies.” gravity die castings in a wide techniques for companies wishing manufacturing and provide a full range of aluminium alloys and to test the integrity of their cast turnkey solution for the manufacture Columbia holds and conforms to steel alloys. components. of simple to complex fully processed all leading industry accreditations and tested assembled products. including: AS9100 Rev D, ISO9001, Maycast-Nokes offers an “end- Contact: Dave Blower SC21 and Nadcap approvals. to-end” manufacturing service T: +44 (0)1787 477021 The company’s in-house prototyping/ – from a single purchase order E: [email protected] pre-production and 3D printing In addition, Columbia has customer it can deliver a fully finished W: www.maycast.co.uk enables Columbia to risk share on approvals from Collins UTC, Moog, component ready for customer component development as well GE and Rolls-Royce, and has a fully final assembly. as reducing lead time costs and supported Special Process Department. expediting. In addition, Columbia Sales Director Dave Blower controls a network of sub tier Contact: Ted Yarnall said, “These are exciting times suppliers with skills that complement T: +44 (0)7970 872077 for Maycast-Nokes; we are its own, providing customers with a E: [email protected] supplying parts for a number of comprehensive facility. W: www.columbia.uk.com aerospace programmes including A320 NEO, A330 NEO, 777X and Columbia consistently works to a Boeing TX and we expect to see tolerance of 5 microns and below, significant growth over the next producing key components and two years. In anticipation of this assemblies for UK and US military we have recently added further and supporting customers such as capacity into our production Rolls-Royce, Moog, GE, Collins UTC facilities with the addition and many more with a one-stop shop.
MIDLANDS AEROSPACE 09 MEET THE PARIS EXHIBITORS ON THE MAA STANDS, HALL 2B, F188 & G183
INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST METALS STOCKHOLDER
Dynamic Metals is an independent stockholder, supplying aerospace-grade metals to many industry sectors worldwide. From its UK-based SYSTEMS FOR ALL TYPES OF AIRCRAFT distribution centre, the company supplies titanium alloy, nickel alloy, stainless steel, Orscheln Europe will be making its debut aluminium and alloy steel in bars, plates, sheets appearance at the Paris Air Show to promote its and tubes. range of products within the aircraft markets.
Dynamic Metals has the capability to saw HEAT TREATMENTS AND HARD COATINGS The company supplies the world with innovative cut material to customer requirements in solutions and manufactures different types of house and can also manufacture material and In Pod 10 of the MAA stand, Wallwork Group is mechanical control and cable systems for a wide semi-finished products to unique customer expecting strong interest in its extensive vacuum range of aircraft – commercial, business, military, requirements through the UK-based Conversion brazing and plasma nitriding services. fixed wing and rotary. Centre with in-house metallurgists. With an enviable reputation in ultra-hard PVD Established in 1946, Orscheln has built a Dynamic Metals prides itself on competitive coatings, the company will also be championing reputation as the leading supplier of motion pricing, short lead times, personal service and its Nadcap-approved Nitron Flight coatings for control systems that are produced at its no minimum order charge. Its customers buy aerospace that can offer up to 33 times improved AS9100/1SO9001 approved manufacturing facility. from the company in confidence, reassured life on specific components. Nitron Flight that it can meet their unique requirements and significantly contributes to reducing life cost “This recognition comes from our continuous deliver on time. ownership, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions commitment to manufacturing quality, and more. Another area of interest for visitors leading-edge products and providing superior Contact: Sam Excell will be the Group’s ability to process aluminium service,” explained Fraser Simpson, Orscheln’s T: +44 (0)1525 217556 and magnesium components. Technical Sales spokesperson. E: [email protected] W: www.dynamicmetalsltd.com Highly skilled metallurgists and skilled surface Orscheln’s extensive product range includes engineers, along with full laboratory and emergency gear release mechanisms; emergency substantial in-house testing facilities, enable air; fuel shut off; oxygen; rat release controls and the company to provide a quality service to cables; parking brakes; engine control cables – aerospace component manufacturers, with power, mixture, propeller pitch and ejection seat speedy order turnaround times. control cables/seat adjustment cables.
Contact: Wallwork Group Contact: Fraser Simpson T: +44 (0)161 797 9111 T: +44 (0)1788 561400 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.wallworkht.co.uk W: www.orschelnproducts.com
PUSHING THE ENGINEERING INNOVATION BOUNDARIES MJ Sections’ latest engineering reductions that will be made, where MJ Sections Ltd will be appearing Currently undergoing a major innovation is to replace the finished product could actually at Paris for the third time running. expansion programme, the building (traditionally) expensive machined cost less than the forged starting of the company’s new adjacent forgings with sheet metal rings. material/ring. The company will be showing factory is now complete. Planning The company is able to join several examples of its pioneering work, permission has also been approved rolled rings together into one Contact: Steve Cresswell including its latest engineering for a new factory which will double complex ring assembly and hold T: +44 (0)1384 217007 innovation which is designed the capacity of the Halesowen critical tolerances where needed. E: [email protected] to cut lead times and costs. Its facility. The driving forces behind this are W: www.mjsections.co.uk most recent investment into the significant lead time and cost new capabilities includes the The company’s portfolio of parts introduction of 5-axis laser cutting includes rolled rings, rolled at its sister company Electro stringers for airframes, precision HIGH TEMPERATURE Discharge Ltd (fully AS9100 and sealing rings/wires/honeycomb VACUUM BRAZING Nadcap approved). rings, pressed brackets and fabrications, and machined parts MJ Sections Ltd supplies precision- made from turning and milling (3 formed sheet metal fabrications and 5 axis). and machined components to the UK and global aerospace markets, It also offers a diverse range of providing a fast and proactive special processes – all Nadcap response to its customers’ needs. approved – including welding, NDT, It is proud to include global vacuum heat treatment and high airframers and engine makers temperature vacuum brazing. amongst its customers.
10 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE UK & EUROPEAN
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Follow us on social media AEROSPACE SUPPLY CHAINS WITH CUTTING-EDGE MIDLANDS DEEP ROOTS IN THE REGION Unbrako (now closed) made TECHNOLOGIES FOR specialist fasteners. CONCORDE Technology from the Midlands played a pivotal role in the development of the world’s first supersonic passenger plane. From engine fuel pumps to flight control actuators, from wheels and brakes to heat exchangers, Midlands firms supplied Concorde with a plethora of the high-tech parts needed to fly passengers at 60,000ft and twice the speed of sound.
Half a century on, more than three quarters of those suppliers are still in business. At many, the current generation of highly skilled engineers is working in new factories and supplying the newest versions of their core technologies to the latest Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft – demonstrating the enduring appeal of the best of British engineering...
And, of course, international collaboration is now a stronger theme than ever.
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE MANY MIDLANDS High Duty Alloys (now Mettis) COMPANIES THAT SUPPLIED CONCORDE forged brake torque tubes.
Abbey Panels Accles and Pollock Brooks (now closed) (now Liberty Tubular Solutions) (now SPS Technologies, PCC) Fuel tanks Tubes for heat exchangers Fasteners
Dunlop Precision Rubber (now Meggitt) Airframe and engine seals
Integral IMI Birmingham (now Collins Aerospace) (now Timet, PCC) Primary and auxiliary Titanium engine parts hydraulic pumps
John Thompson James Booth Aluminium (unknown) JS Chinn (now Arconic) Three 12,000 gallon (now Nasmyth) Unknown refuelling tankers Hot air pipes
Light Metal Forgings Ltd. Linread Lucas Aerospace (unknown) (now Arconic) (now Rolls-Royce) Unknown Fasteners Fuel pumps for engines
Ransome and Marles RISTS Rose Bearings (now NSK) (now Leoni Wiring Systems) (now NMB Minebea) Engine bearings Wiring/electrical circuits Bearings
Sterling Metals Systron Donner Triplex (now closed) (now closed) (now GKN) Aluminium castings for engine Pulse generator for test rigs Cockpit windscreens AEROSPACE SUPPLY CHAINS WITH FIERCELY PROUD TO DEEP ROOTS IN THE REGION WORK ON CONCORDE Dunlop Aviation (now Dunlop Advertisements from the late 1960s Aircraft Tyres) made tyres. and early 1970s offer us a glimpse of the aerospace industry of the time. Our companies promoted their prowess based on their contributions to Concorde. Many of the same core capabilities are still being deployed today to develop the aircraft of the future.
Dunlop Aviation (now Meggitt) of Wolverhampton made the wheels and the innovative carbon brakes. (With thanks to aviationancestry.co.uk)
Dowty Boulton Paul Dunlop Aviation Dunlop Aviation (now Moog Aircraft Group) (now Dunlop Aircraft Tyres) (now Meggitt) Powered actuation systems (eight) Tyres Wheels, brakes for elevon and rudder controls Henry Wiggin & Co Hobsons High Duty Alloys (now Special Metals Wiggin, PCC) (now Collins Aerospace) (now Mettis) Nickel alloys for A/C generator/ hydraulic drive RR58 alloy forgings combustion chambers
Hymatic (now Honeywell) Fuel tank pressure control design/equipment
Midcast Numerical Control (unknown) Unknown
Smith Clayton Forge Saunders Valve Serck (now Wyman Gordon, PCC) (now closed) (now Meggitt) Forging of engine compressor Fuel control valves Heat exchangers wheels and turbine disks
Truflo Unbrako Union Carbide UK (now IMI Truflo Marine) (now closed) (now Arconic) Sheet metal fabrications for engines Fasteners for braking systems Alloy engine housing parts PROFILE VIEW FROM THE MAA BOARDROOM Midlands aerospace is growing in both size and capability and we need to establish a more mature supply chain if we are going to sustain the growth. Lisa Swan, Operations Director and site lead at Collins Aerospace, who has recently moved from the automotive to the aerospace industry, says aerospace is accelerating at the same speed as the automotive world right now.
Q. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE Q. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING AEROSPACE INDUSTRY? ABOUT IT? A. I have being working in the sector A. Within the field of operations, you for a year in my current role as an tend to see results quickly, which is very Operations Director. Prior to this I motivating. Developing and promoting was a Plant Manager for a company talent from within the organisation that made safety electronics for the and seeing people succeed is also very automotive industry. rewarding.
I decided to make the move from Q. IF THERE IS ONE THING YOU COULD automotive to aerospace so that CHANGE ABOUT THE AEROSPACE I could get experience of another INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? industry. I also wanted to use the A. We are held back by the design of opportunity to transfer some of the some of our products and recognise good processes from automotive to that we would be able to transform the world of aerospace. quicker if we could make some design modifications. Q. WAS THE SECTOR WHAT YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE WHEN YOU Q. WHICH PERSON/ACHIEVEMENT FIRST JOINED? “Coming from an INSPIRES YOU THE MOST WITHIN A. Coming from an automotive automotive environment, I THE SECTOR? environment, I was told that the was told that the aerospace A. There are too many to name within aerospace industry is very slow-paced an industry with such an impressive in comparison. I can say that this is industry is very slow-paced history, but if I had to pick one, it would absolutely not the case! in comparison. I can say most probably be Amelia Earhart.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE that this is absolutely not Q. HOW DO YOU THINK MIDLANDS A. My role as Operations Director for the case!” AEROSPACE IS EVOLVING? Collins Aerospace in Wolverhampton A.The Midlands aerospace sector is gives me a lot of responsibility for growing in both size and capability and growth in terms of sales, and at volume increases, implementing we need to establish a more mature the same time, as a business, we automation and increasing supply chain if we are going to sustain also need to recognise the need employee training, which will help the growth. to transform our facility in order improve flexibility. to drive improvements in financial Q. IF YOU WERE NOT WORKING IN performance for our shareholders. Q. WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING AEROSPACE, WHICH SECTOR WOULD YOU ASPECT OF YOUR WORK? BE WORKING IN? Q. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON A. Having enough time to get A. I would probably still be RIGHT NOW? everything done! I am responsible in automotive. A. Achieving operations and for all of Collins’ operations support productivity improvements are our functions, as well as the manufacturing number one priority right now and for processes, and we are trying to drive the rest of this year. We are currently improvements throughout every part of working on managing significant the organisation. https://www.collinsaerospace.com/
14 MIDLANDS AEROSPACE FOR YOUR DIARY ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/EVENTS CALENDAR NEW MEMBERS MAA NETWORKING DINNER PARIS AIR SHOW The MAA welcomes the following new members – PARIS AIR SHOW 17-23 June 2019 18 June 2019 Le Bourget Parc des Expositions Les Noces de Jeannette ACCURA ENGINEERING PRODRIVE Restaurant Central Paris Attend the 53rd Paris Air Show Willenhall Banbury and take part in the largest Supplier of specialist machining. Premium engineering Join members of the aerospace trade show in the services provider. ADVANCED ENGINEERING UK LTD aerospace and defence world, which is home to global Birmingham QUEST 4 ALLOYS LTD industry for dinner. industry leaders and the very latest technological innovations. Leading provider of multi-axis Willenhall precision engineering solutions. Suppliers of rare and exotic nickel alloys and stainless steels NATEP - NEW TECHNOLOGIES MAKE THE MOST OF BEING AN CGTECH LIMITED in most product forms. IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN MAA MEMBER Hove Programming and simulation QUICK RELEASE 10 July 2019 24 September 2019 software provider. AUTOMOTIVE LTD Rolls-Royce, Derby MAA Offices, Coventry Gallows Hill CITYSPRINT Product data management A showcase of new Come and meet the MAA team London specialist. technologies being developed over breakfast and learn how Providing flexible and reliable in the aerospace supply chain we can help your business. courier service. STATUS METROLOGY supported by NATEP. SOLUTIONS LTD DRUCK LTD Nottingham Leicester CMM inspection service. Druck is a world class supplier of MAA ANNUAL DINNER For further pressure sensing solutions. THE SEMPRE GROUP LTD 10 October 2019 information and Gloucester Council House, Birmingham to book your place GORDANO SUPPORT GROUP Provider of high quality at an MAA event, please visit Bristol measuring, testing and Our hugely popular business www.midlandsaerospace. Provides logistics support software-based systems. networking evening will be org.uk/events services and packaging products. returning to Birmingham’s TT ELECTRONICS ROXPUR fabulous Council House. Make HARDMET ASSOCIATES LIMITED MEASUREMENT & CONTROL sure you secure your seat. Suckley Sheffield Manufacturer of tungsten carbide Manufacturer of temperature, and technical (industrial) ceramic pressure, flow, and level components. measurement products.
PELI PRODUCTS (UK) LTD TURBO CAST (INDIA) PVT. LTD ABOUT THE MAA... Glossop Rajkot, India Supplier of protector cases for the India’s first indigenous The Midlands Aerospace protection of instrumentation investment casting Alliance (MAA) is the voice and tooling. foundry for ferrous and of companies in the British non-ferrous materials. Midlands supplying global aerospace. Its 300 member organisations range from global aerospace players to SMEs. The MAA board Become a member of the MAA and join the 300+ other comprises senior managers companies and organisations who are already enjoying the from Collins Aerospace, benefits of belonging to one of Europe’s largest aerospace Meggitt, Moog Aircraft Group and Rolls-Royce, elected supply industry regional bodies. It costs your company only £595 chain representatives and key regional partner bodies. per year if you are in the Midlands or £950 if not. For additional copies of Midlands Aerospace, or to add your colleagues to the distribution database, please www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/maa/join-the-MAA contact the MAA by any of the means below.
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