MIDLANDS

AEROSPACEISSUE 46. SUMMER 2018 MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES FARNBOROUGH AIRSHOW 2018 ISSUE

A decade of new ideas from supply chain companies See page 10. Cover image: Early operator Vietnam Airlines has 10 Airbus A350s in service. © AirTeamImages Vietnam Airlines has 10 Airbus A350s in service. operator image: Early Cover

HOT OFF THE PRESS View from the North WEST The winners of the first ever Midlands Aerospace Alliance Awards Manufacturers are boosting productivity for Excellence are in! Turn to page 12 to discover who they are. with collaborative clusters – page 13 Update ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/NEWS NEWS New survey results reveal ON THE WEB Click through to the MAA website for latest state of the industry current news on members’ activities: The results from the has completed a £1.5m MAA’s latest survey of ATI-approved project to member companies are develop and test next- in. Carried out every year, the generation aircraft tyres. survey enables the alliance to truly keep its finger on industry PCB Manufacturer, Amphenol Invotec, was one development by tracking of three selected from 11 current growth trends. finalists to win the Sharing in Growth 2018 All STAR This year’s results show showcase Integrity Trophy. that the Midlands aerospace cluster is continuing to rapidly A £7m investment sees Icon Aerospace, in grow. Business turnover has partnership with landlord, increased by 20% in the last two Strawsons, transform a years alone, further building Victorian building into a upon the continuous growth 21st century state of the art that has been demonstrated manufacturing facility. over the last 13 years. Naysmith Group transfers its shareholding The increase comes as no of Metal Process Services surprise to the alliance, as aircraft, it’s only natural that the industry has flattened out Ltd to fellow shareholders the Midlands tracks, among the industry’s business turnover due to a combination of factors, to boost investment for long many other things, the growth rates should reflect the growth including skills shortages, term growth. of aircraft output by Airbus and experienced by Airbus and Boeing investment in automation,

too,” said Dr Andrew Mair, MAA High performance Boeing. productivity increases and some components manufacturer, Chief Executive. offshoring to low-cost countries. Mettis, enjoys rise in “As the Midlands industry, led by turnover and profits and Rolls-Royce, is chiefly a supplier Interestingly, the survey has also is creating 20 to 25 new of engines, components and parts revealed that while turnover has jobs to cope with growing for Airbus and Boeing passenger grown steadily, employment within business demand.

Book your place at Save the date: Aerospace the Midlands’ premier Forum set to return to black-tie dinner Birmingham

Join the Board of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance at Following the huge success of the first three-day forum the MAA’s second annual black-tie business networking held in Birmingham last year, the Aerospace Forum is dinner on October 11. set to return to the second city in 2019 for more of the same, if not better. Members of the aerospace and defence industry will gather at the Council House in Birmingham for an evening of Last year’s event attracted 400 delegates, 250 companies, business networking. 12 countries and involved 3,900 B2B meetings and an international summit. For more information about the forthcoming event, which will feature a VIP keynote speaker and VIP after-dinner speaker, Next year’s Aerospace Forum will take place from contact Anne Esterson on 02476 430250. To book (£140 for March 19 to 21. MAA members and £160 for non-MAA members) visit http:// www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/events/MAA-dinner-2018 Following the MAA Annual Conference on Day One, the event will provide two days of structured B2B meetings for customers and suppliers to meet. For more details, turn to the back page.

02 midlands aerospace FARNBOROUGH: PREPARING FOR TAKE-OFF ONCE AGAIN

The Farnborough International MIDLANDS AEROSPACE RECEPTIONS Aerospace 4.0 Airshow is back for another year and it promises to be even bigger You are cordially invited to join the MAA What does the future of aerospace and better than ever before. team, Midlands exhibitors and MAA look like? Discover the answer to this members at one of our three networking question, and others just like it, in As one of the largest events of its kind receptions during the show, all 11:30am the Aerospace 4.0 zone. Sponsored for the global aerospace industry, to 1pm on the MAA stand (Hall 1, Stand by Deloitte LLP, the area will shine a FIA18 will play host to more than 1,500 1330), each seeing the award of one of spotlight on a range of advanced digital companies from across the world and the first Midlands Aerospace Awards for technologies, including: span six exhibition halls. Excellence and the announcement of upcoming activities and opportunities. • Cloud computing Since being the location of the first • Internet of Things powered flight in Britain, Farnborough Monday • Autonomous robots represents a long history rich in Business Development reception pioneers; where visionaries meet The FINN Sessions cutting-edge innovation. And it’s this Tuesday unique combination of history steeped New Technology reception The FINN Sessions (Farnborough with pioneering insight that makes it International News Network) is a new such a show-stopper. On that note, Wednesday feature to FIA, which will provide a forum here’s a quick overview of some of the Supply Chain Performance reception to share and discuss the major topics and new attractions visitors can expect to trends that are affecting the aerospace see at this year’s show: We look forward to seeing you there! industry now, and in the future.

The show runs from July 16 to 22. The first five days are trade-only; the weekend of July 21 and 22 are open to the public. Visit the MAA and our exhibitors in Hall 1, Stand 1330.

midlands aerospace 03 FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

EXPANDING ROLE IN AVIATION MARKET WE DEVELOP, YOU MAKE GLOBAL ONE-STOP- IT FLY SHOP Spincraft and Enginetics are at Farnborough to showcase manufacturing processes and hardware components integral to their expanding roles in the aviation market. Celebrating its 50th Coventry and Spincraft’s current Airbus contract includes single-piece and machined lipskins for anniversary in July, GMT Warwickshire Aerospace A320NEO and A350 nacelles. This complements earlier A320NEO awards of the geared Aerospace is a well-known Forum (CWAF) returns turbo fan engine, and five-piece exhaust plug and nozzle sets. family-run company with to Farnborough, having experience in the field of received assistance Enginetics’ extensive metal-forming and precision machining capabilities support a broad vibration, shock and noise through the European range of next generation engines, including GTF and LEAP. control. Regional Development Fund from Coventry City To support increased volume, a new 7,246 square metre Spincraft facility opened in Headquartered in Bühl, Council’s Business Support 2016. The plant, located in the US state of Wisconsin, will specialise in aluminium close- Germany, the company Programme. tolerance aviation components. employs more than 1.000 experts in design, The funding is specifically In addition, £1million has been invested in Spincraft’s Newcastle plant. The investment development and being used to help raise has enabled the plant to expand its capacity and in-house vertical integration capabilities production globally. CWAF’s profile, enabling within the aviation and space markets. The newly-built cell includes CNC forming, members to strike machining, CMM inspection, fluorescent penetrant and robotic surface finishing. ETG GMT’s aircraft division new business deals believes offering its customers full turn-key manufacturing solutions is crucial to meeting is one of the newest and promote Coventry their long-term needs. facilities, ensuring GMT is and Warwickshire capable of complying with manufacturing to an Together, Spincraft and Enginetics make up Standex International’s Engineering the very latest technical international market at this Technology Group. With six facilities throughout the UK and US, the group provides global requirements and quality year’s show. manufacturing solutions via collaborative engineering efforts. Precision metal forming standards demanded by the technologies are supplemented with vertically integrated manufacturing processes to aerospace industry – GMT Boasting 13 engineering support aviation, defence and space system markets. has proven to be a reliable and manufacturing partner of the aviation businesses that service Contact: Steve Ireland industry for more than 20 global aerospace T: +44 (0)7780 997811 years. customers, CWAF recorded E: [email protected] an average growth of 20 W: www.StandexETG.com Focusing on the per cent in turnover in development and 2017, adding £13 million production of shock- revenue to the collective absorbing rubber- £65 million turnover metal parts, as well as generated in 2016. structure-stabilising elements, GMT’s dedicated CWAF provides world- team of experienced class products and developers meet manufacturing processes, customers’ challenges and encompassing working requirements on a daily with local schools, basis. colleges, universities and research centres to bring Over recent years, the through aerospace’s next company has developed generation of workers. several new components that have set the Jason Aldridge, CWAF benchmark for aviation Chairman, said: “The niche standards amongst offering of our members respected airplane means CWAF is uniquely- manufacturers. It’s positioned to offer a currently developing the one-stop-shop for larger new EN Standards Tie Rods aircraft companies.” (EN4693/EN4694/EN4695). Contact: Jason Aldridge Contact: Dirk Schmid T: 02476 369911 T: +44 (0)1943 870670 E: jason@arrowsmitheng. E: dirk.schmid@gmt- co.uk aerospace.com W: www.cwaf.co.uk W: www.gmt-gmbh.de

GMT LOGO TAG.pdf

04 midlands aerospace FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

LEADING SUPPLIER GROWING FROM INDUSTRIAL 3D TWO SITES, ONE FROM MOTORSPORT TO SERVING LEADING NAMES STRENGTH TO STRENGTH PRINTING PIONEERS COMPLETE SERVICE AEROSPACE

Alloy Heat Treatment Midlands-based Alloy Electro Optical Systems Kepston Limited will be Having made a name for serves the leading names Wire International (AWI) Ltd (EOS) is returning to appearing at Farnborough itself in motorsport and in aerospace from its will be at Farnborough Farnborough for the fifth for the first time, having automotive premium premises in Dudley. after recently smashing time this year to showcase gained AS9100 Revision D brands with advanced its £10million barrier for the huge potential 3D approval for both of its sites electric motors, Integral Leading-edge technology the first time in its 72-year printing has within the in the West Midlands. Powertrain will show enables the company history. world of aerospace. the aerospace sector to deliver a wide range The company’s Aldridge at Farnborough what of aluminium heat A critical aerospace supply The aerospace sector site offers sub contract is achievable in high treatments, ranging from chain partner, supplying remains a priority for EOS, precision CNC jig and performance, high solution treatment and precision, drawn, flat and both globally and in the UK. universal grinding and wire efficiency, and power dense rapid quenching (ageing), shaped wire in more than The company, is committed eroding. Its Wednesbury electric motors. to dye penetrant inspection 60 nickel high performance to delivering innovative site offers sub contract (mechanical testing) alloys, AWI has seen sales solutions and empowering furnace brazing and bright Celebrating its 20th aluminium shotblasting increase by £3million since aerospace businesses to annealing, using vacuum anniversary this year, and metallographic 2016. make the most of industrial and continuous furnaces Integral Powertrain’s inspection (setting). 3D printing. and materials, including key focus is the design, The company, puts its stainless, steel and copper validation and manufacture Furthermore, the company sustained expansion One of the reasons alloys. of motors and control can process components down to three-week lead why EOS attends the systems for the world’s up to five metres long and times, as well as growing Farnborough With its sights set on Aerospace & Aviation, three tonnes in weight. demand for its Emergency each year is that it provides gaining the NADCAP Motorsport & Automotive, And its team of industry Manufacturing Service. the company with an accreditation next year, Engineering & Defence and specialists can offer rapid It’s also invested heavily in incomparable opportunity Kepston is uniquely placed Marine sectors. quenching into either stock, with 200 tonnes now to engage with like-minded within the aerospace polymer or hot or cold available at any one time. leaders, who have a industry, thanks to its IP offers innovation to water, if required. passion for technology and ability to offer a specialist existing and new topologies AWI provides its global innovation. sub-contract service in and will be showing an Alloy Heat Treatment clients with access to a vacuum brazing and heat example of what a 3MW places great emphasis range of corrosion resistant As a world-leading treatment. generator could look like on seeking approvals and and high temperature technology supplier in for future applications. is particularly proud of performance alloys the field of industrial In addition to providing being AS 9100-accredited commonly used in aircraft 3D printing, EOS will be industry-leading services, “The motors we have and part of NADCAP. Its fire detection, engine showcasing its capabilities, the company also uses on test today – which list of approvers for some retaining rings, fasteners, which many of the world’s the latest generation wire will be on our stand of the biggest names in high-temperature seals leading aerospace eroders, with clean cut at Farnborough – are engineering includes and engine compression companies are already technology that leaves a achieving between 20- Airbus SAS, BAe systems, springs. benefiting from, as well zero cast layer, as well as 30kW/kg with efficiencies Boeing, Rolls Royce and as highlighting just what specialised high precision approaching 99%. We Westland . Approved by BAE Systems, can be achieved, thanks CNC jig, surface and actually have technology in AWI produces 0.025mm to the latest 3D printing universal grinding, CNC R&D today that will push to 21mm bespoke wire in advancements. turning and milling. Catch this even further,” said Contact: Ian Perks Exotic alloys, including Kepston at Pod Number 9. Chief Engineer, Jason King. T: +44 (0)1384 453903 Nimonic 90, Inconel 600, Contact: Gary Taylor E: ian.perks@alloyheat. Nimonic 75, Waspaloy, T: +44 (0)1926 675 110 Contact: Chris Marsh Contact: Stuart Jaycocks co.uk Titanium Grade 5 and E: uk.materialorders@eos. T: 0121 567 3218 T: +44 (0)1908 278600 W: www.alloyheat.co.uk Monel 400. info E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.eos.info/en W: www.kepston.co.uk W: www.integralp.com Contact: Angus Hogarth T: +44 (0)1384 262022 E: angushogarth@alloywire. com W: www.alloywire.com

midlands aerospace 05 FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

A LOCAL SOLUTION NEW VERSION OF VIOS FINDING AND MAJOR INVESTMENT MOST TRUSTED NAME IN WITH GLOBAL REACH RETAINING THE BEST BOOSTS CAPABILITIES MATERIALS TESTING

On Logistics Aerospace Following on from its Jonathan Lee Recruitment Columbia Precision will be Founded in 2003 by its is at Farnborough to announcement in the last has been supplying the exhibiting at Farnborough American parent company, showcase the benefits of Farnborough magazine, aerospace, defence and for the fifth time to promote WMT&R Ltd is now one its agile logistics service ConsultAvila is pleased to aviation sectors with its enhanced capabilities of the largest single to the complete aerospace announce it has developed exceptional people for following investment of independent providers supply chain, spanning a production version of more than 40 years. over several million dollars of materials testing in Tiers 1 to 4. their inventory optimisation in modern plant and human Europe – and this year app, VIOS. Offering Solutions resources. it’s celebrating its 15th A division of On Logistics Through Understanding, anniversary. Ltd, an aerospace Delegates will be able the consultancy provides The Birmingham-based integrator to the OEM and to find out all about the best-in-class recruitment firm has recently added The company views its UK MRO sectors in the UK latest version of VIOS, and talent management two new Matsuura 5-axis location as being a positive & Europe, On Logistics which has been produced services to clients globally. prismatic CNC machines, advantage in serving ‘local’ Aerospace has just signed in collaboration with a Studer twin-spindle automotive, motor sport, a contract with Rolls- ConsultAvila’s production With many of its CNC grinder. It will also and aerospace sectors as Royce, Derby. development partner, consultants having direct be developing two new well as Europe and the ValueChain, at this year’s experience in the sectors processes: gear skiving and world. With a combined expertise show. in which they recruit, the laser welding, and adding of over 28 years, its team company takes pride in its 3D printing to its portfolio. WMT&R uses the latest is highly skilled and adept The latest development is in-depth understanding technology to deliver at working with large testimony to ConsultAvila’s of the skills, experience Columbia has been high quality, reliable and and small aerospace vision and ability to deliver and attributes that supplying complete cost effective results. businesses across the UK real solutions and real clients require in an precision engineering Substantial capacity and Europe. results at pace. Building increasingly competitive solutions to demanding enables a quick turnaround upon its organisation marketplace. Operating markets, including on high volume tests Nick Bennett, Managing transformation experience with professionalism aerospace and defence for for a broad range of Director, said: “We’re from over 25 years in the and integrity through a over 40 years. materials. Its global exhibiting at Farnborough engineering, aerospace partnership approach, customer base spans the to demonstrate our ability and automotive industries, Jonathan Lee Recruitment Operations Director, aerospace, automotive, to provide the governance the company constantly provides true consultancy Ted Yarnall, said: “We’re steel, aluminium, nuclear of a corporate logistics develops and applies new to its clients and committed to on-going and marine sectors and provider, delivering the thinking and emerging best candidates alike. investment into NPI, new includes a mix of individual agility and responsiveness practices. technologies and training manufacturers. of an SME. Lead consultant, Neil to meet engineering and As a result, ConsultAvila, Cayley, said: “We’re fully customer requirements. WMT&R provides crack “We’ll be exhibiting in who will be exhibiting committed to supporting This enables us to cater for propagation, fracture conjunction with the at Farnborough for the our clients in meeting the existing and new clients’ toughness determinations opening of a new 22,000 sq fourth time this year, demands of increases in requirements while still and other mechanical ft temperature-controlled continually innovates its build rates and passenger competing with low cost testing at ambient, aerospace facility, offering approach to designing new growth. Finding and economies.” sub-zero or elevated both long and short-term organisations, business retaining the best people is temperatures. And storage solutions within processes and value chains more critical than ever to The company’s it boasts a range of one mile of Birmingham for its client. success in this skills-short specialist skills include facilities for evaluating International Airport in market.” the development and corrosion, charpy impact, support of its customers, Contact: Dudley Wood production of complex chemical analysis, surface Rolls-Royce and UTC T: +44 (0)7958 796375 Contact: Neil Cayley prismatic parts that can roughness determination/ Aerospace Systems.” E: dudley.wood@ T: +44 (0) 1384 446114 be supplied in kit form and profiling, sample CNC consultavila.com E: [email protected] as complete tested sub- machining and extensive Contact: Nick Bennett W: www.consultavila.com W: www.jonlee.co.uk assemblies. metallographic services T: +44 (0)1827 251 222 (includes failure analysis). E: [email protected] Contact: Ted Yarnall W: www.onlogistics.co.uk T: +44 (0)7970 872077 Contact: Vinay Vaghela E: ted.yarnall@columbia. T: +44 (0)1295 261211 uk.com E: [email protected] www.columbia.uk.com W: www.wmtr.co.uk

06 midlands aerospace FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

SYSTEMS FOR ALL AWARD-WINNING BROADENING ITS REACH G&P QUALITY MANAGEMENT MORE THAN A CENTURY TYPES OF AIRCRAFT OUTLOOK HAS ARRIVED IN THE MAKING

Orscheln Europe will AE Aerospace will be Advantage Resourcing G&P Quality Management CW Fletcher will be be making its debut attending Farnborough has been delivering Group is aiming to showcasing more than a appearance at Farnborough hot on the heels of being recruitment services to the demonstrate its arrival to century’s experience in to promote its range of named Manufacturer of The aerospace sector for more the aerospace industry at precision engineering that products within the aircraft Year for companies with a than 35 years and sees Farnborough. spans a diverse range of markets. turnover below £25m at the Farnborough as the perfect industries. prestigious Insider Made In platform to highlight its G&P has made significant The company supplies The Midlands Awards, and work on a much broader investments to diversify The Sheffield-based the world with being highly commended level. into the aerospace industry, aerospace and nuclear innovative solutions and in the national Made in the including introducing a new manufacturing company manufactures different UK finals. With five offices located management team, new offers a wide range of types of mechanical control across the UK, Advantage facilities and developing complex fabrications and and cable systems for a The Birmingham-based Resourcing is a national its in-house, real-time, specialises in sizes up to wide range of aircraft – company, was established provider of permanent, software platform and data two metres. commercial, business, in 1996 and delivers temporary and interim engine tool, QTrak. military, fixed wing and a broad range of high recruitment solutions. Covering industry sectors rotary. quality precision machined The company also offers a David Whiffin, Director of ranging from aerospace, components for names, wealth of other services, Aerospace at G&P, said: nuclear and space, Established in 1946, including UTC, UTAS, ranging from managed “For almost a quarter of to marine and power Orscheln has built a Bombardier, Rolls Royce services and recruitment a century, G&P has been generation, CW Fletcher’s reputation as the leading AeroEngines, Control process outsourcing saving the automotive extensive client base supplier of motion control Systems & Naval. programmes, to outsourced industry millions of pounds, includes Kawasaki Heavy systems that are produced payroll and employee eliminating waste and Industries, GKN Aerospace, at its AS9100/1SO9001- A class-leading supplier of vetting services. reducing the subsequent Sellafield Limited and Rolls approved manufacturing cost effective solutions, AE impact on cost and parts Royce, to name but a few. facility. Aerospace has established Advantage Resourcing availability for clients. a large network of OEM prides itself on its flexible G&P is now progressively As well as specialising in “This recognition comes customers and suppliers, approach, integrity and transferring the sizes up to two metres, the from our continuous giving it strong foundations transparency and is looking philosophy, tenacity, skills company also works with commitment to for continuous, strategic forward to showcasing and expertise in support of a wide range of materials, manufacturing quality, growth. its extensive expertise at the aerospace sector.” including steels through leading-edge products and Farnborough. to titanium alloys and providing superior service,” The company’s ethos is G&P is now seeing a nickel based materials, all explains Fraser Simpson, to remain competitive by Chester Boothe, Client growing appetite from the produced in our expanding Orscheln’s Technical Sales continually investing in its Relationship Manager, aerospace sector for the AS9100 Revision D spokesperson. people, technology and said: “We’ve decided to practices so successfully approved facility. processes, and later this exhibit at Farnborough deployed in the automotive Orscheln’s extensive year the business will be because we want to sector. The industry faces With several NACAP product range includes moving to larger premises promote our services to a many similar complex accreditations to its emergency gear release as it embraces Industry 4.0 wider audience, showcase challenges seen by G&P name, CW Fletcher’s mechanisms; emergency and implements it’s “Glass our business and really over the past 25 years. has established a global air; fuel shut off; oxygen; Factory” approach of show everybody what we’re reputation for delivering rat release controls and machining by the hour. about and what can be Contact: David Whiffin the right product, on plan cables; parking brakes; achieved, thanks to our T: +44 (0)1922 458 003 and to the right cost. engine control cables – “Our success has shown extensive expertise.” E: [email protected] The end result: world- power, mixture, propeller the potential for businesses W: www.gpqm.com renowned quality and pitch and ejection seat prepared to invest in Contact: Chester Boothe innovation, delivered by control cables/seat the skills, technologies T: 0207 390 7000 industry pioneers right adjustment cables. and processes required E: chester.boothe@ here in the UK. to compete on a global advantageresourcing.com Contact: Fraser Simpson stage,” said Peter Bruch, W: www. Contact: Richard Philips T: +44 (0)1788 561400 Managing Director of AE advantageresourcing.co.uk T: +44 (0)114 2942200 E: fsimpson@ Aerospace. E: rphilips@cwfletcher. orschelneurope.co.uk co.uk W: www.orschelnproducts. Contact: Peter Bruch W: www.cwfletcher.co.uk com T: +44 (0)121 773 9911 E: [email protected] W: www.aeaerospace.com

midlands aerospace 07 FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

HIGH PERFORMANCE BEST SKILLS NEW LARGE VOLUME PUSHING THE ENGINEERING INNOVATION METALWORKING FLUIDS DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYER CAPABILITIES BOUNDARIES

CIMCOOL is exhibiting at Leading manufacturer of G&O Springs returns MJ Sections Ltd will be appearing at Farnborough for the Farnborough for the first premium quality castings, to Farnborough for the second year running. time this year, providing Maycast-Nokes Precision sixth year, re-invigorated another opportunity for Engineering, is recognised by widespread major The company will be showing examples of its pioneering the aerospace world to as being one of the best developments in its work including its latest engineering innovation that’s find out more about its employers in the UK for manufacturing plant and designed to cut lead times and costs. Among its latest comprehensive range of skills development. processes. investment into new capabilities, include the introduction CIMCOOL fluids. of 5-axis laser cutting, which will be implemented from The Essex-based Over the last year, the July this year. Specially formulated for foundry is the UK’s most company has added CNC high precision, difficult to comprehensive aerospace coiling to its capabilities MJ Sections Ltd supplies precision-formed sheet metal machine alloys commonly casting facility, offering to reduce costs and fabrications and machined components to the UK and found in aircraft of all fully finished precision increase capacity, with very global aerospace markets, providing a fast and proactive types, CIMCOOL’s fluids sand, investment and encouraging results. response to its customers’ needs. And it’s proud to are used for a range gravity die castings in include global airframers and engine makers amongst its of applications, from aluminium and steel. Managing Director, Steve customers. commercial aircraft to Boyd, says G&O is looking NASA space programmes. In addition to its extensive at growth of more than 50% Currently undergoing a major expansion programme, the foundry and machining after adding a complete company’s portfolio of parts include rolled rings, rolled The fluids are proven services, the company’s auto-coiling department. stringers for , precision sealing rings/wires/ to create substantial NADCAP approved The first of three new cells honeycomb rings, pressed brackets and fabrications, improvements in terms of x-ray and metallurgy has been set up and is machined parts made from turning and milling (3 and 5 productivity and fulfil, or departments are certified being commissioned. axis). even exceed, the demands to write and sanction of the aviation industry. bespoke process “We’ve always been seen by It also offers a diverse range of special processes – all techniques for companies our customers as a small- NADCAP approved – including welding, NDT, vacuum heat CIMCOOL’s Technical wishing to test the integrity volume niche supplier,” treatment and vacuum brazing. Manager UK, Matthew of their components. he said. Jelves, said: “During this, MJ Sections’ latest engineering innovation is to replace our first participation in the Long-standing supporters “This development allows (traditionally) expensive machined forgings with sheet Farnborough International of British engineering, us to achieve the same metal rings (and hold critical tolerances where needed). Airshow, we are introducing Maycast-Nokes is excellent levels of quality The driving forces behind these are the significant lead a comprehensive line of the leading SME for in much higher and more time and cost reductions that will be made, where the products for machining and apprenticeship training in cost-effective production finished product could actually cost less than the forged grinding aerospace alloys. the East of England and runs. starting material/ring. operates an award-winning “CIMCOOL recognises training scheme. “Our weekly output has Contact: Steve Cresswell aerospace as one of the risen by 46%, but we’re T: +44 (0)1384 217007 most technically-driven In 2016 and 2017, Maycast- targeting an additional E: [email protected] industries in the world. Nokes was named in 50% increase with the new W: www.mjsections.co.uk CimShield and InSol the prestigious Centrica system.” technology demonstrate Top 100 Apprenticeship our understanding of the Employer list, joining In the region of £375,000 global demands to create companies such as has been invested to date, products that are boron and Mercedes Benz and with additional spending formaldehyde free while BAE Systems in being set to take place later this providing productivity gains recognised as one of the year. in today’s most demanding best employers in the UK aerospace applications.” for skills development. Contact: Steve Boyd T: +44 (0)1527 523764 Contact: Matthew Jelves Contact: Dave Blower E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)7917 460406 T: +44 (0)1787 477021 W: www.springs.aero E: matthew_jelves@ E: [email protected] milacron.com W: www.maycast.co.uk W: www.cimcool.net

08 midlands aerospace FARNBOROUGH 2018 SEE US IN HALL 1, STAND 1330

SIGMA DRIVES PRODUCT INNOVATION

Leading aerospace manufacturer, Sigma Components, is working in partnership with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers on new technologies to drive innovation and environmental performance in the aerospace sector.

Mark Johnson, founder and CEO, said: “Thanks to technology, multi-site capabilities, capacity and our focus on lifecycle management, our innovations offer a real step change for future aircraft environmental performance.”

Sigma’s world-class centre for new product introduction allows the team to look at the full product lifecycle – from initial R&D and NPI to full production – whenever a new product is devised.

Johnson added: “Being able to offer this in-house capability means we can take an idea from initial concept – testing that idea with customers and securing development funding – right through to devising the method, tooling and production procedures, then honing these before moving into full production. This work is also supported by our Chinese facility, which is increasingly taking on its own NPI work, not simply delivering new products developed in the UK.”

Sigma’s New Product Introduction and R&D team, comprising dedicated design engineers, fabrications and pipe engineering specialists, CNC programmers, commercial engineers, project managers and even engineering interns, invests in its own R&D, working closely with customers to innovate and add value.

The R&D team is already revolutionising component design with its SigmaLite range of lightweight composite and additive-manufactured components, while the NPI team is delivering exciting new parts for the BR700NG, XWB and A350 programmes.

Sigma will be showcasing its SigmaLite range, including new products and works in progress from Sigma’s on-going R&D programmes, at Farnborough on stand 1330, in Hall 1. These include, composite pipes (COMPipe), lightweight end fittings and composite drive shafts for and aero-engines offering weight savings of more than 50% versus traditionally-manufactured components, providing a real step change for future aircraft environmental performance.

The company’s R&D programmes were announced at Farnborough Air Show in 2014, with lab tests demonstrating that the thermoplastic composite pipe is capable of withstanding operating temperatures of up to 240°C, operating pressures of up to 450 psi and a typical engine operating environment, including fireproof requirements under certain fluid flow conditions. The flagship technology is currently undergoing application-specific testing, with results expected towards the end of the year.

Contact: Mark Lambert T: +44 (0)7833 595213 E: [email protected] W: www.sigmacomponents.com

midlands aerospace 09 COVER STORY TEN YEARS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Mobilising Nasmyth’s rich technical knowhow CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Everyone has ideas. Many make the headlines, some right support, their ideas can be turned into better products or even make history. Others get rejected, are forgotten improved manufacturing processes that can really take off. or fail to get heard at all. But what if great ideas are being missed? Companies across the Midlands aerospace cluster are continually competing to be positioned on the aircraft We know just how many amazing ideas people are coming programmes of the future. Developing new capabilities, up with, at work, every day at every tier of the aerospace processes and technologies is vital to stand out. To enable industry. The best ideas don’t all come from the top. Many more companies to do this, the MAA supports companies in all ideas may seem small but, collectively, they can help us the different stages of their projects. overcome the challenges our aerospace industry faces to design more fuel-efficient aircraft at a time of unparalleled For complex structures and precision welding company, growth in the number of aircraft being manufactured, Nasmyth Technologies, difficulties in manufacturing a make- uncertain economic conditions and intense global to-print legacy combustion chamber component in a highly competition. competitive market presented a difficult choice; this was to either decline the work, accept a high attrition rate arising The Midlands is home to one of the largest aerospace in particular from three troublesome processes, or invest in industry clusters in the world so naturally it’s teeming with finding solutions, working with the customer, GE Aviation, to exciting new ideas. Over the last ten years, the MAA is proud seek design changes where necessary. to have helped more than 50 companies access £8m in funding and expert help to bring new technologies to market. Nasmyth decided that, whilst the business case might not at Our support has helped them add more value, become first seem very attractive, there was a strong case for helping more competitive and move up in the industry by developing the customer, which was committed to continued support of intellectual property that they own. the engine. The company came to the MAA for support and, after being accepted for a grant from the NATEP programme, It’s often assumed that lower-tier supply chain companies they were soon on their way to developing a solution. should focus solely on efficiency initiatives and that R&D isn’t for them. The truth is, these organisations are often full of Working closely with partner Hucknall Sheet Metal, Nasmyth great ideas but lack the resources to develop them. With the carried out research into the three processes - welding,

10 midlands aerospace COVER STORY TEN YEARS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES graphite bonding and thermal barrier coating of a perforated surface – all of which were having a negative impact on combustion chamber throughput. Alternative new processes were successfully developed for each of these areas, which were presented to the customer. For Nasmyth Project Leader Mac Fletcher, the project had added benefits: “This project helped show our customer that Nasmyth is more than a make-to-print company and can add value through innovation. We firmly believe this underpins the development of a mutually beneficial long-term relationship”.

The MAA is pleased that more and more Midlands manufacturing companies, like Nasmyth, are coming forward. “Even if at first they don’t think R&D and new technology is for them – “that’s the domain of the big boys” – everyone wants to do things better, and R&D is just improving things in a systematic way,” says MAA Supply Chain Technology Director Bridget Day.

The MAA’s hands-on approach to supporting companies makes all the difference, especially when working through numerous barriers and challenges on the way to success. Our MAA Technology Group, chaired by Rolls-Royce’s Robin Hill, reviews and offers advice on project ideas from germ to fully- fledged project. Our Technology Managers support and mentor companies at every stage and take a collaborative approach. Companies benefit from accessing the expertise of a team that has spent decades in the aerospace industry between them. They can get help with project management, financial control and, crucially, getting potential customers to hear about the new technologies or new manufacturing processes they’re developing. Some companies have gone on to establish ongoing relationships with contacts at leading aerospace companies such as Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce which ensures opportunities continue to come to them in the future. to do to ensure more projects get support and what we call Says MAA Chief Executive Dr Andrew Mair, “we’re proud of ‘bottom-up innovation’ really takes off.” all the companies that have developed new technologies or new processes over the past ten years, many of which are To celebrate, the MAA has compiled over forty success already seeing real results such as a changed perception of stories from the last ten years in a new booklet called ‘The them in the market place, a new respect from customers, and New Technology Catalogue’. We hope they’ll inspire you to increased sales as their new ideas are implemented. One of work with some of these brilliant businesses and to talk to the things I’ve learned during this time is just how deep the us if you have a great idea you’d like to develop. well of fresh ideas is within our aerospace supply chain. It’s a privilege to be part of helping transform these concepts into Ideas are our future. Together, we need to keep making real competitive advantage. However, there’s a lot more work them happen.

We are grateful to Government for co-investing in our technology development Government programmes and projects over the last decade: Advantage West Midlands and ERDF for ATEP 1 and ATEP 2; BEIS, AMSCI and Finance Birmingham for NATEP. co-invests Thanks too to our sister regional aerospace alliances and national organisation ADS with which we have worked to deliver NATEP projects!

midlands aerospace 11 Recognising success WINNERS OF THE FIRST ANNUAL MAA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The excellent – AWARDS GET OFF also based in TO A FLYING START the Midlands Three industry-leading companies have set the benchmark for excellence after becoming the first ever winners of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance Awards for Excellence.

This year is the first year that the awards, which have been created by the alliance to recognise excellence in business development, supplier performance and technology development, have been made. Winners were recommended by the three MAA Working Groups that focus on these areas.

Category: Award for Excellence in Category: Award for Excellence in this year’s Technology Development Business Development Winner: G&O Springs Winner: MJ Sections winners Awarded by: MAA Technology Group, Awarded by: MAA Business chaired by Robin Hill Development Group, chaired by Category: Award for Excellence in Wendy Stopher Supplier Performance Why they won Winner: Hucknall Sheet Metal Redditch-based G&O Springs led its first Why they won Awarded by: MAA Supply Chain ever R&D project as part of the MAA’s MJ Sections have received the award Performance Group, chaired by ATEP programme, starting in 2009. for their successful international Annette Rothwell diversification strategy, which is G&O recognised that because there allowing the company to rapidly grow Why they won was little empirical test data for springs with existing Midlands customers while This award has gone to Hucknall manufactured from special aerospace developing links to new customers at Sheet Metal in recognition of how the alloys, customers like actuation the same time. company’s performance has helped its systems makers inevitably tended to be aerospace business grow significantly conservative, with high design margins Not only has the company’s business in recent years. leading to larger-than-required springs turnover risen by 50% in recent years, and heavy housing. After their research but MJ Sections has achieved approval A great case in point is how the project was complete, with results from US companies, Pratt and Whitney company has provided one of its validated by the Institute for Spring and GE Aviation, as well as starting to customers, Rolls-Royce, with Fast Make Technology, customers such as BAE supply a UK company with parts for the support by making newly-designed Systems and UTC Actuation Systems new LEAP engines for French engine engine parts quickly so the development are now able to develop smaller lighter maker, Safran. of new engines can be accelerated. This aerospace components. service also provides Rolls-Royce with Craig Fullwood, NPI Manager at MJ rapid response support, such as helping Steve Boyd, Managing Director at G&O Sections, said: “We’re honoured to to manufacture components for a Springs, said: “We’re honoured to win this receive such an award, it’s fantastic to be period to enable Trent XWB production award, it means everything to us. We’ve put recognised by such a superb organisation to continue uninterrupted during a lot of hard work in over the last year to as the MAA for our success. Our MD has production ramp-up. implement new technology. worked tirelessly to keep MJ Sections heading in the right direction and breathed Jason Thorpe, Managing Director of “We don’t feel like we deserve the award, a new lease of life into the company, Hucknall Sheet Metal, said: “We’re if the truth be known, because we’re doing which has seen us reach another level in a very honoured to win such a prestigious what we’ve always done. It’s come as a relatively short space of time. award. It’s a tribute to the hard work and bit of a surprise to us, but it’s nice to be dedication from the team in providing noticed for how we’re working hard to “We couldn’t achieve any of this without complete customer satisfaction.” improve.” the hard work of our dedicated and loyal teams here in Netherton and Halesowen - we feel very lucky to have such hard- What they’ve won working employees.” As well as being recognised for being 21st century champions • Be taken to lunch – at this year’s Farnborough airshow of excellence, the winners will: • Have their award officially presented to them – by an • Receive an award – in honour of their achievements aerospace VIP guest at their site. that will be given to them at this year’s Farnborough • Receive two free places – to the MAA Dinner on October International Airshow 11th at the Council House in Birmingham.

12 midlands aerospace THE VIEW FROM THE NORTH WEST

Working together to boost productivity Dr David Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the NWAA, reveals how a group of like-minded member companies are working together to improve their performance – and how the region’s Primes and Tier 1s are helping. For the past year or more, we our best-known firms, agreed to form the participating as part of the cluster. The have been setting up a cluster cluster in June 2017, and they all signed aim of the mentor is to support their of members of the North West up to the AGP’s Aerospace Supply Chain designated cluster company through Aerospace Alliance that have pledged Competitiveness Charter. The Charter the NMCL process and in implementing to work together to improve their describes how industry challenges the the findings from the investment performance. The NWAA has a history of UK aerospace supply chain to engage business case. helping our companies like this, having actively in structured continuous achieved a great deal with our ASCE improvement, through programmes such The mentor will offer support and (Aerospace Supply Chain Excellence) as SC21 Competitiveness + Growth, to guidance to the senior team at their programmes some years ago. We are become sustainably globally competitive, company and in some cases, also at calling our new initiative the “North undertake the new cross-sector “NMCL” operational levels. They will work with West Aerospace Cluster of Excellence Capability Assessment and develop an the companies to ensure they are on (ACE)” and we are linking it firmly to investment business plan capable of track with their plan in becoming more the UK’s Aerospace Growth Partnership achieving a recognised national standard of competitive within their markets. The and a new iteration of the well-regarded performance. provision of mentors as an ‘in kind’ SC21 (Supply Chains for the 21st contribution by the region’s leading Century) programme. So far we feel we are making great aerospace manufacturing organisations progress. Rolls-Royce joining further is unique to our ACE programme The NWAA is leading the cluster, with strengthens the Prime and Tier 1 support and further builds on the successful the active support of our national for the North West ACE, recognising approach of the NWAA’s earlier ASCE organisation ADS together with BAE and supporting North West supply chain programmes. Systems, Safran Nacelles and Boeing; companies in their quest in improving most recently Rolls Royce has also productivity and increasing competitiveness We have offered our support to the come on board. Eleven of our supply in the regional, national and global MAA’s Supply Chain Performance chain companies, including some of aerospace industry. Five companies Group led by Annette Rothwell of have now undertaken the two-day NMCL Esterline, who I know have been “The AGP’s UK assessment, and are moving through looking at what we are doing to see if Aerospace Supply Chain assessment to receive their final investment something similar can be done in the Competitiveness Charter business case for improvement. Midlands. describes how industry The cluster members have not only If it sounds interesting to you, why benefited from user groups and knowledge not contact Andrew Mair and his challenges the UK aerospace sharing thus far, but we are pleased team at the MAA? Email: info@ supply chain to engage to have welcomed mentors from BAE midlandsaerospace.org.uk actively in structured Systems, Safran Nacelles and Rolls- Royce. These mentors will add great value continuous improvement.” to the programme and the companies www.aerospace.co.uk PROFILE View from the MAA boardroom

Aerospace supply chain businesses need to talk to and understand each other to get best value

Peter Bruch, Managing Director at AE Aerospace, believes that there is a world of opportunity out there for those who want to work hard to achieve their goals, and who have the right attitude. harder or easier place than it’s ever been, Where did you get your start in just different. And it will be different again aerospace? for the generation that follows you. After gaining an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, my first ‘proper’ What is the best/most rewarding part job in Aerospace was when I joined British of sitting on THE MAA board? Airways Engine Overhaul at Heathrow in Being able to help fellow SMEs and guide 1989. I was initially a Production Engineer OEMs and Tier 1s on how to do business supporting the Fuel Systems and APU cells. together, better. Our relationship is vital to the UK industry. If aerospace supply chain What was the moment that changed businesses talk to and understand each your aerospace career? other to get best value, we will win over At BA, I joined the transition programme adversarial, lowest cost cultures. moving the Heathrow division of Engine Overhaul to the facility in South Wales. How does it feel to be crowned There were a number of project related “With the global marketplace MIDLANDS manufacturer of the year? issues that I started getting involved in and Surprising, shocking, lots of emotions. fixing. By accident, I created my career, becoming increasingly We know that we’ve come a long way and which has involved fixing projects and competitive, every link we’ve got an even greater distance to go. turning round departments, leading on to in the supply chain needs to We’re never satisfied with what we’ve full company turnarounds. be working collaboratively achieved, especially in this sector where there is always a drive for continuous What part of the job do you most enjoy? and effectively.” improvement and innovation. It was a Autonomy to get on and make things really nice accolade, and great to be happen. This was always ‘interesting’ recognised. But, we can’t lose focus on the when I worked in corporate companies and What is the best advice you have day job of providing quality products for owner managed SMEs, but since owning AE received? our customers, a safe and secure working Aerospace we have been able to implement I wish that I could have met with either environment for our staff and positive cash some of the plans and ideas to move of the first two gentlemen who are flow and profit to reinvest in the business. forward rapidly. At AE, I’ve also learnt how attributed with the quotes below, but my long things can take when you’re an SME mentors have quoted them to me: What is the future aspiration for AE and how hard you need to work! Aerospace? W. Edwards Deming: ‘In God we trust, Very exciting. Our rapid growth has meant What do you see as the biggest all others must bring data.’ Or the that we’ve now run out of space and challenge facing supply chain shortened version, ‘Speak with Data’, machining capacity at our Dymoke Street companies in the Midlands? which is a Lean term. site. We are about to announce our move It all comes down to attitude, whatever to a new factory in the Birmingham area, you do. Sadly, there seems to be a belief Henry Ford: “Think you can, think you which will take place in autumn, and a these days that individuals are ‘owed can’t, either way you will be right.” further £1m investment in machine tools. a living’ and that if you’re not doing as well as you want, then someone else is And from Jeremy Clarkson, who I have We intend to keep investing and growing causing the problem. When this spills over worked with: “How hard can it be?” and to meet our customers’ capacity and into companies gearing up for the fourth “What could possibly go wrong?” capability requirements and to work industrial revolution, it can lead to reduced towards our vision of a transparent factory productivity and reduced competitiveness What advice do you offer to young operating model. if we have outmoded attitudes. With the people/next generation? global marketplace in aerospace becoming There’s a great wide world of opportunity increasingly competitive, every link in out there for those who want to work the supply chain needs to be working hard and achieve their goals. Again, it’s www.aeaero.com collaboratively and effectively. all down to attitude. The world is no

14 midlands aerospace FOR YOUR DIARY ONLINE: WWW.MIDLANDSAEROSPACE.ORG.UK/EVENTS

CALENDAR NEW MEMBERS

Work with your MAA peers The MAA welcomes the following new members to improve productivity The MAA 11th July BASE MATERIALS INTEGRATED TEST MAJENTA PLM MAA offices Whetstone SYSTEMS Worcester organises Join a cluster of like-minded Manufacturer of Coventry Supplier of Siemens manufacturers and work pattern and tooling Offering a complete PC software solutions more than 20 together to improve your quality materials. turnkey solution for and services. and delivery performance with Test Rigs and Test events a year active support from our big COVENTYA Equipment. MARKETING DERBY aerospace companies. Wolverhampton Derby Speciality chemical JWA TOOLING LTD The inward Cyber security for MAA ANNUAL DINNER products for Leicester investment agency Aerospace suppliers 11th October electroplating and Specialist in for Derby. 19th September The Council House, surface finishing. subcontract precision AMTC Coventry Birmingham engineering, tooling MIE SOLUTIONS UK Cyber security is important Join the Board of the Midlands ECM and fixture design and Redditch for aerospace suppliers. The Aerospace Alliance at our DEVELOPMENTS manufacture. A leading provider MAA’s Business Development second annual black-tie Lincoln of MRP productions Group has organised this business networking dinner. Specialist in KINETIC control software. special event for members. electrochemical ENGINEERING machining technology Worcester MTI WELDING for machining of Specialist in high TECHNOLOGIES UK aerospace additive complex forms. volume production Kingswinford manufacturing in the For further of high tolerance, Manufacturer of supply chain (2) information and HARWIN PLC complex machined friction welding 23rd October to book your Farlington components. systems. AMTC Coventry place at an MAA event, Supplier of Understand how the DRAMA please visit www. interconnect solutions project could benefit your midlandsaerospace.org. for PCB and in-the- business and support your uk/events box applications. additive manufacturing journey.

Become a member of the MAA and join the 300+ other companies and organisations who are already enjoying the ABOUT THE MAA... benefits of belonging to one of Europe’s largest aerospace The Midlands Aerospace industry regional bodies. It costs your company only £520 per Alliance (MAA) is the voice year if you are in the Midlands or £725 if not. of companies in the British WHAT CAN THE MAA DO FOR YOU? Midlands supplying global A three-fold strategy guides the MAA's activities. aerospace. Its 300 member organisations range from > Sharing knowledge and information global aerospace players > Delivering expert support to members to SMEs. The MAA board > Leading coordination of shared strategy comprises senior managers from , Moog Aircraft For information about membership of the MAA, go to our Group, Rolls-Royce and UTAS Actuation Systems, elected supply website: midlandsaerospace.org.uk or contact the MAA office. chain representatives 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]

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