maa’s record year at farnborough - midlands aerospace · maa’s trail-blazing aerospace...

The quarterly newsletter of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance Issue 23 Summer 2010

MAA’s record yearat Farnborough

Cosworth inpole positionwith crossoverinto aerospaceMAA member Cosworth put itsaerospace prowess on displayfor fellow members at its plantin Northampton in June.

Cosworth, a major name inmotorsport, was hosting theregular MAA membersmeeting that focused on thecrossover potential of theaerospace and motorsportindustries. The company’s JogLall and Mark Gallagher setout details of its successfuljourney and the ‘halo effect’ ofthe F1 racing world into whichthe company has made atriumphant return as an engineprovider this season.

The view from the supplychain was provided by MAAmembers. Peter Platt of KigassAero Components, EddieShephard of Icon Polymer andJason Aldridge of ArrowsmithEngineering commented onthe similarities and differencesin strategies and operationspractices required to supplythe two industries with theirexacting standards yetdifferent ‘clockspeeds’.

MAA chairman CliveSnowdon, chief executive ofUmeco, said: “It was excellentto hear first-hand about thesophisticated expertise of MAA members who servethese two markets.”

Biggest-ever presence for alliance members at 2010 show

MAA-led support programme makes big impact in East Midlands: see page 4

THE Midlands Aerospace Alliance(MAA) has brought a recordnumber of companies from theMidlands aerospace communityto Farnborough 2010.

It’s part of the MAA’s drive topromote the expertise andcapabilities in the heart of theUK’s traditional engineering andmanufacturing belt.

And the companies themselves– all members of the MAA andmany repeat exhibitors – areexpecting big things from thisyear’s show as the globalaerospace sector takes tentativesteps on the ladder to recovery.

The MAA’s exhibition at StandB14 in Hall 1 showcases a widerange of products and servicesfrom 19 exhibitors representingclose to 30 companies (seepages 6-10 for details).

MAA chief executive Andrew

Mair said he was looking forwardto meeting old friends andwelcoming new visitors to theexhibition stand. “Farnborough isa high point of the MAA year andit consistently brings out thestrength of our companies in theglobal industry,” he said.

In addition to its recordpresence at the show, the MAA is

using Farnborough to launch its2010 membership directory andcapabilities matrix. This popularreference cross-indexes the 250MAA members with the maintypes of work carried out in theMidlands region.

“Many of our members are atthe forefront of their markets withleading technology and skills,”said Mair. “This annually updateddirectory is a good indicator ofthe breadth of expertise availableacross the Midlands.”

The MAA, which in just sevenyears has become one of themost active and respectedaerospace bodies in the UK, isalso relaunching its website. Webvisitors will find more features,easier access to the memberdirectory’s listings and an activecalendar of events at the click ofa button.

Continued on page 2

Farnborough International 2010 IssueVisit us

at Hall 1, Stand B14

MARK Prisk, the minister responsible for small businessin the new UK coalition government, has praised thework of the MAA and its impact on aerospace.

He was speaking during a visit to MAA memberIndestructible Paint of Birmingham – his first to a UKaerospace company – that was organised by the MAA.

MAA director Neil Rawlinson of Aero Engine Controls,who welcomed the minister, said: “It was pleasing to beable to explain in detail how the MAA’s AerospaceTechnology Exploitation Programme (ATEP) is helping

MAA introduces new minister to Midlands skills, expertise

Mark Prisk (right) meets with Indestructible Paint’sGraham Armstrong and Alan Norton.

Flashback: The busy MAA standat Farnborough 2008.

15341_AIM_summer10.qxd:MAA_Newsletter_B4771.qxd 05/07/2010 10:42

SIX supply chain development projectsrunning under the second phase of theMAA’s trail-blazing Aerospace TechnologyExploitation Programme (ATEP) promise todeliver substantial benefits to theaerospace and defence industries.

The projects, three of which started inFebruary 2009, followed by three more inDecember 2009, are:

! A20X Aluminium Alloy ! Aerospring! Aircraft Tyres Finite Element

Modelling (ATFEM)! Chrome-free Ipcote ! Endurance Braking ! Technology Advancement of

Surface Coolers (TASC).

Altogether, the projects (for details, seebox) have accessed £750,000 of grantfunding under the programme run by the

MAA to encourage the development andexploitation of new technologies bycompanies operating in the West Midlands’aerospace and defence supply chains.

ATEP is part-funded by the regionaldevelopment agency Advantage WestMidlands (AWM) and the EuropeanRegional Development Fund (ERDF), andis helping larger manufacturers work inpartnership with both SMEs and leadinguniversities to develop new technologiesthat address emerging marketrequirements for future aircraftprogrammes.

“These projects are on course to deliversome fascinating outcomes forincorporation on future aircraft,” saysBridget Day, the MAA’s innovation andtechnology manager.

In the case of Aerospring, three SMEs– including two regional competitors –have been brought together with theInstitute of Spring Technology (IST) tomanufacture springs in novel materials

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news from the maa

New heatexchangertechnologies: (from left) Bridget Day, MAA;EmekwuruNwabueze,University ofWolverhampton;Dave Scott and Carl Burton, HSMarston; and Prof Richard Hall,University ofWolverhampton.

companies like Indestructible invest in new technologies.”Mr Prisk, whose portfolio comes under the Business, Innovation and Skills

department, discussed at length how regulation affects SMEs and the vital role of theMAA. He said the visit was “rewarding”.

“The MAA plays a key role in supporting aerospace across the Midlands and todayI saw first-hand how they are helping small businesses develop new technologythrough their successful Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (ATEP).

“I was impressed to see the innovation taking place at Indestructible and how itenables the company to expand and enhance its wide range of advancedengineering coatings - such as those capable of protecting large jet aero-enginecomponents operating at extremely high temperatures.

“With more than a quarter of its workforce involved in research and development,Indestructible is clearly a highly skilled, advanced manufacturer. And with around halfof its output being exported, this successful and dynamic small business is generatingwealth not only for the Midlands, but also to the benefit of the wider UK economy.”

New minister introduced to MidlandsContinued from page 1

ATEP champions innovation


such as titanium and various nickel alloys.Data gathered will enable accurate fatiguepredictions for springs produced from anyof the materials covered.

The ATFEM project is a good exampleof the innovative results that can beachieved with close industrial cooperation.Airbus, the customer, regularly providesinput to Dunlop and the research team onthe required direction for the FE modellingwork and its future directions, enhancingthe value of the collaborative effort. So far,modelling has been validated by work onan existing tyre and is set to move on topredictions for new tyres in future aircraftprogrammes.

The TASC project led by HS Marston, tomodel a novel surface cooler to increasethe effectiveness of engine thermalmanagement, follows on fromdevelopments in diffusion bonding carried out under an ATEP 1 grant.

To date a test rig has been built andcommissioned and sample test resultscorrelated with computer-generated

models. Working with Rolls-Royce ascustomer ensures that test data is trulyrepresentative.

Removing the hazardous elements fromprotective engine-surface coatings is theobjective of the Chrome-free Ipcoteproject led by Indestructible Paint (IP). Allfunded partners are SMEs and arelearning new technology developmentcapabilities and project management skills

as the project develops with the technicalsupport of ceramics institute CERAM.

As well as finding a substitute for thehexavalent chrome in current Ipcotecoatings, the project team will require datato support the customer accreditationprocess and the many end-useraccreditations. Team members are on thenational committee overseeing REACH, theEuropean regulations on use of chemicals,and are keeping abreast of possible newhazards that may affect the industry.

“On the REACH committee list of workneeded, the chrome-free Ipcote project isthe only one progressing so well, due toATEP funding, so we are getting nationalrecognition for this type of managedtechnology development project,”commented Day.

In Endurance Braking – a project withwide application in aerospace – SMEJames Kent and Meggitt Braking havebeen sharing knowledge to try and find anoptimum material solution for the friction

required at hightemperatures.

Thermal

modelling has started and is beingcorrelated to early test data on new carbontest pieces.

Meanwhile, the Aeromet-led project todevelop a novel aluminium alloy A20Xwith considerable increases in strengthcharacteristics has advanced to thesuccessful casting of a 3,000kg batch ofthe alloy using production continuouscasting equipment. Product demonstratortrials have commenced following chemical,metallographic analysis and mechanicaltesting of this latest ingot.

Simulation modelling of the castingprocess is also under way, while structuralanalysis and machining trials will test theextremes of the alloy capability.

aerospace in the midlands3

aerospace in the midlandsATEP 2 PROJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS

A20X Aluminium Alloy Lead: Aeromet, WorcesterPartners: Grainger & Worrall, University of Birmingham (research provider), London& Scandinavian Metals (unfunded – out of region), Aero Engine Controls (customer)

AerospringLead: G&O SpringsPartners: Alloy Wire, Reliable Spring Manufacturing, Institute of Spring Technology(research provider), Aero Engine Controls (customer), BAE Systems (customer)

ATFEM Aircraft Tyres Finite Element Modelling Lead: Dunlop Aircraft TyresPartners: University of Birmingham (research provider), Airbus (customer)

Chrome Free Ipcote Lead: Indestructible PaintPartners: Ashton & Moore, Clean Burner Systems, Messier-Dowty (customer), Rolls-Royce (customer)

Endurance Braking Lead: Meggitt Aircraft Braking SystemsPartners: James Kent Ceramic Materials, CERAM (research provider), Embraer(end user), British Aerospace (end user)

TASC Technology Advancement of Surface CoolersLead: HS Marston Aerospace LtdPartners: Advanced Chemical Etching, University ofWolverhampton (research provider), Rolls-Royce (customer)

ATEP 2 PROJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Novelmaterials areput to the testin the Aerospringproject, while AFTEM ismodelling tyres for futureprogrammes.


news from the maa

4

news from the maa

MAA-led support project makes impactEast Midlands companies quick to rally to national supply chain programme benefits

THE launch by the MAA of anEast Midlands SC21 supportprogramme has beenenthusiastically received withinthe aerospace community.

In less than a year, 43 businesses havereceived focused support for theirbusiness improvements under the SupplyChains for the 21st Century umbrella,which has also delivered specialist trainingworkshops to 30 individuals and iscurrently providing funding support for 16companies.

The MAA is running the project withfunding from the East MidlandsDevelopment Agency (emda), workingclosely with the East MidlandsManufacturing Advisory Service (MAS-EM).

A key area of activity has been helpingfocus the work of SC21 clusters whichallow top tier companies to work with theirsupply chains on improving all aspects oftheir business linkages.

Tim Holmes, SC21 manager of the MAA,said forming an SC21 cluster helps theMAA support and nurture participants as agroup. “It’s a good way for suppliers toposition themselves to win future businessin an increasingly competitive market,” headded.

Another main area of work has beensupporting the activities of key customerswith the East Midlands supply chains. BAE

Systems, one such key customer, attractedmore than 45 companies to its SC21Midlands supplier launch day. Of thoseattending, half were from the EastMidlands.

Four more customer launch activities areplanned, said Holmes.

The MAA is developing other projectsaimed at showing how deployment ofSC21 internally within a top tierorganisation brings benefits as theprogramme is then flowed down into itssupply chain. “This provides a gooddemonstration of the SC21 programme’seffectiveness,” said Holmes. “That’s what itwas designed to do.”

The impact is now bring felt in theindustry, with more than half of fundingalready allocated from the MAA’s EastMidlands support project. More than£75,000 in funding is still available in thisproject for assistance in deploying SC21.

! Contact [email protected]

Compact introduction to SC21THE MAA has produced a short introduction to theSC21 programme, called SC21 – What’s in it for you?This brochure has vital information for aerospace anddefence companies across the Midlands on how theycan benefit from the national SC21 programme.

You can download the brochure from the MAA’swebsite at www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk, contactTim Holmes for a copy or pick one up from the MAAexhibition at Hall 1, Stand B14 at Farnborough.

SC21WHAT’S IN IT

FOR YOU?Vital information from the

Midlands Aerospace Alliance for aerospace

and defence companies across the Midlands

on how you can benefit from the national

SC21 programme.

21st century supply chains

Planning ahead: Delegates to the BAE Systems Midlands launch event.


5

aerospace in the midlands

MORE than 130 Midlandscompanies have to datesigned up to the UK’ssupply chain improvementprogramme, SC21 – the

largest concentration of participants inthe country.

Industry leaders acknowledge theregion is setting a fast pace for otherparts of the UK.

The programme, now in its fourthyear, is designed to improve theperformance of the UK’s aerospace anddefence sector and help companiescompete successfully in global markets.

Annette Oliver, vice-president supplychain at Birmingham-based Aero EngineControls, chairs the MAA’s SC21 workinggroup. She said participation in SC21“demonstrates a commitment to improvingperformance. SC21 deployment in theMidlands is significant in national termswith more than one in five of all companiesinvolved located in the region.”

Seventy of those companies have

accessed £650,000 in financial help.The support projects, delivered by theManufacturing Advisory Service WestMidlands (MAS-WM) and the MAA, arefunded by Advantage West Midlands(AWM), the European RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF) and the EastMidlands Development Agency (emda).

Around 140 Midlands companieshave received technical support via theMAS and MAA.

One Midlands company that hasbenefited from SC21 – and is exhibitingwith the MAA at Farnborough – is PaulFabrications of Castle Donington,Managing director Ingard Sagstad said:“SC21 is a valuable initiative. Anythingwhich can help us be more competitiveis welcomed. Aerospace is a key sectorin the East Midlands and it’s importantfor us to tell our story.”

Cliff Johnson, SC21 project managerat MAS-WM, said: “With over £1 millionof funding still available the message isclear; any aerospace and defence

supplier serious about improving theirproductivity, quality, cost and deliveryshould consider deploying the SC21framework.

“We’re using Farnborough tocommunicate to the global customercommunity the significant improvementsalready made by Midlands companiesand to encourage others to participatein the programme.”

Andrew Mair, chief executive with theMAA, said: “Farnborough International isone of the world’s most iconic globalaviation events and holds a prominentposition in the aerospace calendar.Supporting local companies to exhibit onthis international stage and highlightingtheir excellent performance as supplier scan significantly raise their profile.”

Midlands firms fly the flag at Farnborough


ASP tames the difficult jobsALUMINIUM Special Products(ASP) returns to Farnboroughwith a story of success in what isbecoming a niche market:sourcing and supplying ‘difficult’products. For a start, it’s whathelps keep the Spitfire flying.

As larger aluminium suppliersseek efficiencies throughstandardisation and high volumeproduction, ASP finds less andless competition in supplyingmaterials to the specifications oflegacy designs.

“The secret of our success isthe ability to source difficultproducts,” says managingdirector David Robinson. “We’rea raw material specialist andwe’re not afraid to commit toputting everything in place tosupport customers.”

One of those customers isAirframe Assemblies of the Isle ofWight, one of the only firmsproducing Spitfire parts to theoriginal 75-year-old Supermarinespecifications. ASP supplies awhole range of items includingthe spar tubes, a suite of themost demanding parts, and all tothe original drawings.

At the other end of thespectrum, ASP is currentlydeveloping ultra lightweighttubular parts for the new B/EAerospace Pinnacle seatingsystem, their exciting replacementfor one of the biggest sellingairline passenger seats.

Contact: David RobinsonTel: 01384 291900e-mail: davidrobinson@Web: aspgroup.co.ukwww.aspgroup.co.uk

Since 2003, theMidlands AerospaceAlliance (MAA) has beenthe voice of companiesin the British Midlandssupplying globalaerospace. Its steadilygrowing membership,now approaching 300,draws on the renownedengineering backgroundof the heart of England,long a manufacturingcentre of excellence.

MAA membersdemonstrate a widerange of skills andcapabilities throughoutthe aerospace anddefence business. Aselection of thatexpertise is on displayat the MAA’s stand atFarnborough with thecompanies detailed onthe following pages.

For more information onthe MAA and itsprogrammes, and on thecapabilities of all itsmembers, please visit usin Hall 1, Stand B14.

Bromford offers value solutionsBROMFORD Industries is a newname at Farnborough this yearbut airshow regulars willrecognise many faces on itsexperienced management team.

Emerging from a PLC into aprivate equity environment,Bromford is more than amanufacturer of precisionaerospace components.

It deals in engineered solutionsaimed at delivering competitiveadvantage for its customers, be itmachined parts, fabricated partsor the supply of completeassemblies for both OEM andaftermarket applications. If thebest route to manufacturerequires capital investment, thiscan be accommodated.

Serving main markets of aeroengines, landing gear andindustrial gas turbines, Bromfordprides itself on the provision ofcomplex machined componentsin hard-to-work materials todemanding tolerances.

The company handleseverything from high-volume‘hand-size’ components throughto high-value engine casings forcivil and military platforms withthe strategy of developing long-term agreements with primecustomers. Bromford holds all thenecessary aerospace,environmental and NADCAPapprovals.

Contact: Nigel HeeleyTel: ++44 (0) 121 683 6200e-mail: [email protected]: www.bromfordindustries.co.uk

CHH CoNeX diversifiesCHH CoNeX, a provider ofbespoke cable assemblies,integrated products and logisticsservices, is at Farnborough togive a boost to its diversificationinto aerospace and defence.

The company embarked on amajor growth strategy followingthe appointment of ShaunAshmead, former managingdirector of Axiom ManufacturingServices, as director in charge ofoperations.

The three-year strategy willfocus on growth in existing andnew niche markets, peopledevelopment and qualityassurance and starts with theimplementation of new systemsand processes to streamline itsend-to-end operations andbusiness development function.

CHH CoNeX currently providescable assembly concept, designand manufacturing, box-buildand rack integration and test,process audit and redesign andsupply chain solutions to thetelecoms and industrial markets.

The company plans toincrease its turnover to £21million over the next three yearsby diversifying into theaerospace and defence,medical, transport and securitymarkets.

Contact: Andy WhitmoreTel: 0121 344 6333e-mail: [email protected]: www.chhconex.com

Finish machined aircraft landinggear link arms.

CHH CoNeX directors (l-r): ShaunAshmead, Steve Turner, AndyWhitmore, Alan Coley and Tim Hughes.

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Farnborough 2010Visit us

at Hall 1, Stand B14


Columbia flagshigh-end skillsCOLUMBIA Precision brings aUAV engine to Farnborough tohighlight its precisionmanufacturing capabilities. Thecompany works closely with therotary engine’s manufacturer asa supplier of fully processed andtested parts.

Established more than 30years ago by joint managingdirectors Neil Holmes and GerryEvans (below, right and left) inthe heart of the industrial WestMidlands, Columbia has evolvedinto an internationally recognisedforce in high-end precisionmanufacturing solutions.

The company’s two modern,adjacent facilities cover 3,000 sqm and are the result of acarefully structured growth. Thiscontinued programme ofinvestment in state-of-the-artmanufacturing technology, ledby a highly skilled technicalsupport team, ensures Columbiaremains at the forefront ofprecision manufacturing.

Columbia continues toincrease its unmannedmanufacturing 24/7 capability,offering unparalleled enthusiasmand capacity to embrace themost demanding of projects andcritical timescales.

The company remains qualityled, holding and conforming toleading internationalaccreditations and standardsincluding AS9100, ISO9001,SC21.

Contact: Neil Holmes/Gerry EvansTel: 0121 327 1500e-mail: [email protected]: www.columbia.uk.com

Consultavila has the solutionHOW to become and staycompetitive in the challengingAerospace sector – that’s whatindustry specialist Consultavilais showcasing at Farnborough.

Consultavila is working withNoMuda, authors ofVisualFactory.net, to developand deliver lean enterprisesolutions to its clients.

Dr Jose Guzman, managingdirector of Consultavila Ltd,said: “In VisualFactory we’vefound a tool to generate,disseminate and capture criticalinformation in a timely andeffective way. It takes a complexprocess and makes it simple.”

VisualFactory.net is a rapidlydeployed manufacturingdocumentation system, provenin highly complex productionenvironments. It enablespaperless manufacture withintegrated data collection andseamless integration into otherenterprise systems.

It is currently in use bycompanies such Esterline,Bombardier, Saab, Volvo andZodiac where it has significantlyimproved quality and enhancedproductivity.

Consultavila has animpressive track record inoffering businesstransformation, working capitaloptimisation, performanceimprovement and leadershipdevelopment solutions to theaerospace and defenceindustries.

Contact: Dudley WoodTel: +44 (0)7958 796375e-mail: [email protected]: www.consultavila.com /www.VisualFactory.net

Cubewano meets tough UAV specHEAVY fuel engine specialistCubewano is at Farnborough topromote its range of liquid andair-cooled engines targetedprimarily at the demandingrequirements of the UAV andpower generation markets.

Midlands-based Cubewanodesigns and manufactures smallhigh-quality internal combustionengines that feature high power-to-weight ratio. Available in the 4-20hp range, the company’sengines run on a multitude offuels, including heavy fuel (JP8,JetA1).

UAV manufacturers demandthe highest quality small powerunits available today. Theyrequire optimum reliability, timebetween service intervals andmulti-fuel capabilities (heavy fuel,gasoline and others).

Cubewano is dedicated tomeeting these requirementsthrough researching andimplementing the latest materialsand technologies available. Itsportfolio of patents demonstratesthis focus on moving thetechnological boundariesforward.

All Cubewano engines are fuelinjected with electronic enginemanagement to maximise power,fuel efficiency, reliability andemissions requirements. Itscurrent engines are Wankelrotary type with enclosedrecirculating oil systems.

Contact: Liam FlaniganTel: 0121 3781765US office: +1 202-609-7412e-mail: [email protected]: www.cubewano.com

Delcam systemssupport qualityAEROSPACE manufacturingdemands the highest levels ofquality and consistency, pluscost-effective production and theshortest-possible delivery times.Delcam is at Farnborough todemonstrate how it can helpcompanies both large and smallto meet these requirements.

Delcam’s CADCAM systemsare used on every type of aircraftprogramme, from the manufactureof components for UAVs andhelicopters up to the production ofengines and airframes for thelargest passenger and transportaircraft. The company’s customershave undertaken projects in all thevarious areas that go towardsproducing a successful aircraft,from developing more fuel-efficientengines, to manufacturingairframe components moreeffectively, and even in designingmore comfortable and moreattractive interiors.

Delcam also supports a largenumber of MRO operations.These companies use Delcamsystems to enable the fast,efficient repair or replacement ofdamaged components. Byminimising design andmanufacturing times, whilemaintaining the highest levels ofquality, repairs can be completedas quickly as possible, sominimising the lost operating timeof the aircraft.

Contact: Peter DickinTel: 07866 434081e-mail: [email protected]: www.delcam.com

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VisualFactory in use.

Quality control with Delcaminspection software.


G&O wins client kudos againTHERE’S no better measure ofsuccess than an award from asatisfied customer. That’s whatMidlands-based G&O Springs islearning after receiving thethumbs-up from Aero EngineControl Systems (AEC).

Precision spring manufacturerG&O returns to Farnboroughafter earning recognition fromAEC as ‘best in commodity forhardware 2010’ with an enviabledelivery and quality performancerecord – the second year in arow that it has won this award.

Managing director Steve Boydsaid: “Winning this award asecond time means the world tous. It’s a reward for all of theteam at G&O who are workingharder than ever before tocontinuously improve all aspectsof our performance”

G&O hopes to continue itswinning ways by swapping itscurrent SC21 bronze award forthe more prestigious SC21 silverstatus before the end of the year.

! Steve once again has a bottleof bubbly for anyone who canstump him with a problemrelated to springs. Put him to thetest at Stand B14, Hall 1.

Contact: Steve BoydTel: 07768 126886e-mail: [email protected]: www.g-o-springs.com

Gould delivers on commitmentsGOULD Alloys returns toFarnborough this year to talkabout its ability to supply highintegrity metals into the world’smost demanding markets,including aerospace.

The Chesterfield-basedcompany pursues a policy ofnurturing and developingrelationships with its customers toenable it to best understand theirrequirements. Gould’s continualinvestment in both people andplant enables it to deliver itscommitments cost effectively.

In-house services includeplentiful warehousing, modernefficient saws, conventional andCNC machining capability, waterjet capability and the company’sown transport fleet.

Customers benefit from accesswithin the wider group to adedicated laser cutting facility, in-house transport company andenhanced stock availability.

Gould provides a totalintegrated service packageencompassing purchasing,processing and just-in-timedelivery of cut and pre-formedpieces specifically tailored toindividual customer needs. Inaddition, it is able to offer a revertservice designed to maximisereturns and material utilisation.

Contact: Jane BradshawTel: 07710 375961e-mail: [email protected]: www.gouldalloys.co.uk

Clean win for new look HDE HYDRAPOWER DynamicsEngineering (HDE) comes toFarnborough with a new identityand major new success to singabout.

The Midlands-based firm wasso successful as a division ofHydrapower Dynamics, a multi-disciplined engineering companycreating world-class industrialsolutions across a broadspectrum of industry, that it wasspun off as a separate company.

As Farnborough opens, the inkis barely dry on HDE’s latestsuccess, three new fully-automaticprogrammable aqueous-basedprocess lines for cleaning aeroengine parts, an investment ofmore than £2 million.

The facility is understood to bethe largest installation for aircraftengine overhaul in the UK andwas designed to handle theengines for the latest Boeingfamily aircraft as well as othervariants built by the customer, anengine prime.

HDE designed and installedthe new engine cleaning shop inspace already occupied by theexisting facility, without disruptionto its 24/7/365 operation. Thephased installation ensured thecustomer had chemicalprocessing and cleaning facilitiesat all times while the old manuallyoperated cleaning shop wasdecommissioned and dismantled.

Contact: Sean BrowneTel: 07753 913194e-mail: [email protected]: www.hde.uk.com

Icon Polymer at top of gameICON Polymer is a world-leadingsupplier of bespoke safety-criticalengineered elastomeric productsto programmes such asEurofighter Typhoon andLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

Utilising natural and syntheticpolymers and working to exactingstandards, Icon offers bespoke,custom-engineered solutions tomilitary and civil aircraftmanufacturers and partners.

World-class process capabilityand in-house engineeringexpertise for compounddevelopment and componentdesign, coupled withcomprehensive manufacturingresources, enables Icon toproduce high performanceelastomeric composite solutions.

Since last year’s managementbuy-out, the Sunday Times Buy-Out Track Top 100 listedcompany is continuing to investin its team of specialists, plantand equipment to align itself withthe expectations of its globalcustomer base – activity whichlifted Icon to the finals ofNottinghamshire’s business of theyear award.

Products include airframeseals, oxygen and fuel hoses,precision mouldings andspecialised ducting systems. Allmaterials are fully traceable, thecompany being certified to ASEN 9100:2003.

Contact: Eddie ShephardTel: +44 (0) 1777 714328e-mail: [email protected]: www.iconpolymer.com

8

Visit us at Hall 1,

Stand B14Farnborough 2010

Icon polymer products fly on the latest military andcommercial aircraft.


IPI carves out global marketMIDLANDS-based IPI Solutionspunches well above its weightin the global aerospace market.It’s at Farnborough this year totalk about the remarkableuptake of its flagship VisualFAIRapplication.

In just five years, thecompany has taken significantmarket share with VisualFAIR, asoftware tool to enablecompanies to mistake-proof theFirst Article Inspection (FAI)process and reduce the cost ofcompiling the report by 75%.

Now the software is usedacross the entire supply chain,from blue chip organisationsincluding GE Aviation, GKN,Goodrich, Westland Helicopters,Meggitt, Lord & Woodward tothe smallest companies withintheir supply chains.

OEMs like VisualFAIR’selectronic mistake-proofing toolsand make its use a condition ofachieving ‘Gold’ supplier status.The supply chain benefits fromreduced variation in the FAIprocess and significantlyreduced costs for everyone.

Our latest development isVisual IPI – Integrated ProcessImprovement toolbox withprocess flow and PFMEA tools,control plans, SPC etc – whichwas launched in May.

Contact: Brian HarveyTel: 07970 818043e-mail: [email protected]: www.ipi-solutions.co.uk

MAN sets sights on aerospaceA UNIQUE approach todelivering global manufacturingsolutions is reaping dividends for10 world-leading engineeringcompanies in the Midlands.

MAN, which offers technicalexcellence in every aspect ofmechanical, electrical andelectronic engineeringprocesses, is celebrating its fifthbirthday in style at Farnboroughby announcing a recent contracthaul in the automotive,aerospace medical and whitegoods sectors.

It takes the Group’s total salespast the £10 million mark andhas helped protect and create inexcess of 100 jobs in themanufacturing base.

Backed by this recent success,MAN has recently introduced theevolution of a new identity for thegroup, with a new brand,promotional material and websitelaunched in preparation for amajor sales push in the aerospaceand low carbon markets.

The 10 members of the groupare Advanced Chemical Etching,Alucast, Barkley Plastics,Brandauer, ExcaliburEngineering, FW Cables, NoteUK, PP Electrical Systems,Westley Engineering and WrekinCircuits.

Contact: David SpearsTel: 0845 034 6676e-mail: [email protected]: www.man-group.co.uk

Paul buoyed by aerospace sectorTHROUGHOUT the difficulteconomic climate of the past twoyears, Paul Fabrications hasgone from strength to strengthand is able to return toFarnborough with healthyrevenue streams in both theaerospace and nuclear powergeneration sides of the business.

The financial stability andoverall strength of the companywas shown last November whenit was able to purchase a20,000sq ft facility adjoining itssite in the Midlands and invest innew equipment to the value of£2.5m to meet the changingneeds of a major customer.

Customer service excellenceremains a core value that PaulFabrications staff work to;operational performance in termsof both quality and deliveryremains at extremely high levelsas attested by messages ofpraise from Paul’s globalcustomer base.

Already approved to AS9100,with five NADCAP approvals, thecompany is not resting on itslaurels, and is actively looking toadd to a prestigious globalcustomer base which includesRolls-Royce, FACC, Meggitt andPattonair.

Contact: Kevin DexterTel: +44 (0)7530 316311e-mail: [email protected]: www.paulfabrications.co.uk

PMC opens door to research THE Precision ManufacturingCentre – University of Nottingham(PMC) is a world-class researchand specialist engineering centrefocusing on high-precision micromanufacturing, metrology andassembly technologies.

Its leading edge research hasattracted significant funding andinvestment from UK and EUfunding bodies, regionaldevelopment agencies as well asindustry and the PMC is atFarnborough this week todemonstrate to aerospacecompanies how they can haveaffordable access and benefit fromthe technologies at the centre.

The PMC provides expertknowledge in product design,product engineering, one-offprototyping, small-batch contractmanufacturing, contractmeasurement/testing, flexibleassembly systems design andbespoke tooling development.

Its facilities encompassprecision machining, microinjection moulding, high-resolution rapid prototyping, ultra-precision metrology, nano-scaleprocessing, reconfigurable high-precision assembly and lasermicro-processing platform.

Interested companies shouldget in touch with the PMC, whichis a dedicated technologytransfer and commercial arm ofthe University of Nottingham.

Contact: Dr Tony SmithTel: + 44 (0) 115 846 8834 e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.precisionmanufacturing.co.uk

9


Micro and nano coordinate measuring machine.


10

Premier on driveinto aerospaceCOVENTRY (Premier)Aerospace is taking a leaf fromthe new British government – itsown ‘alliance’ bringsestablished automotivemanufacturing knowhow intothe aerospace industry.

Premier is at Farnborough totalk about how it made thetransition and how theexperience of more than 20years supplying topmanufacturers including Jaguar,Land-Rover, Bentley andMorgan now benefitsaerospace customers such asGKN and Marshalls (Boeing).

Coventry-based Premier islooking to extend its aerospaceconnections through specialitywork in aluminium deep drawnpressings and sheet metalcomponents such as bracketsand riveted assemblies. Itsrubber press is suited toproducing struts and stiffenersfor repairing damaged fairingsand fuselages. It also hasextensive machining facilities.

Premier deploys a team ofqualified engineers, backed upwith excellent CAD facilities,and a workforce skilled inworking with all types ofmaterials. Their years ofexpertise and knowledge inproducing precision qualitycomponents in short lead timescombine to make an attractiveproposition for the aerospaceindustry.

Contact: John CamptonTel: +44 (0) 7753 871486e-mail: [email protected]: www.premiersheetmetal.com

Tower Tool turns tables on designTOWER Tool Company Ltdbrings its renowned ‘one stop’service solution to Farnborough –design resolutions in reverseengineering techniques.

Tower is promoting itscomputer aided design (CAD)techniques and data of parts,which pre-date sophisticatedCAD manufacturing. This is idealfor situations where accuratetechnical drawings arecumbersome, may not exist orare incomplete, or whererecreating those drawings togenerate CAD data would beinefficient or time-consuming.

With testimonials from clientssuch as Meggitt PolymerSolutions, Tower is regarded in theindustry as the name tooldesigners and engineers can trust.

Established more than 50years, Tower offers a range ofservices including the design,manufacture and maintenance ofrubber mould tools for theaerospace elastomer industry.

The company provides a fulltool design service, in-house toolmanufacturing capability, toolCMM inspection (for FAIRs) andsecure tool design data archiving.

And because Towerrecognises its customers areimportant, it combines advancedengineering and manufacturingcapabilities with logistics –ensuring on time delivery in itsown vehicles.

Contact: Myles BallTel: +44 (0)116 278 0000e-mail: [email protected]: www.tower-tool.co.uk

Wolverhampton making it happenTHE city of Wolverhampton is atFarnborough to showcase itsaerospace heritage and todemonstrate why it’s a greatplace to do business.

In a century of innovation andaeronautical excellence we’veseen Sunbeam produce enginesfor seaplanes and Bristol fightersand equip the R34 airship withV12 engines, HM Hobson(Goodrich) produce carburetorsfor Spitfires, Lancasters andSunderlands and Boulton PaulAircraft (Moog) produces theDefiant night fighter and Ballioladvanced trainer – the lastpiston-engined AT supplied tothe RAF.

Today the aerospace sectorcontinues to play a major partboth in the West Midlands’ andWolverhampton’s economy. Thecity is an aerospace centre ofexcellence and home to globalcompanies such as GoodrichActuation Systems Ltd, MoogAircraft Group, Timken UK Ltdand H S Marston Aerospace Ltd.

Wolverhampton supports itsbusinesses, has a coordinatedapproach to its long-termeconomic future and isincreasing the pace, scale andquality of business growthopportunities which aretransforming the city.

Contact: Jay PatelTel: 01902 554955e-mail: [email protected]: www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk

Zeeko shines in global marketZEEKO, the Midlands-basedcompany specialising ininnovative precision polishingtechnology, is at Farnborough totell a fascinating story ofchallenges overcome andscientific aspirations met.

Intelligent Robotic Polishers(IRP) are the best-known of theultra-precision polishing machinesthat Zeeko manufactures. Theytop a list that includes correctivepolishing machines for fabricatinghigh precision optics,semiconductor applications andprecision moulds in manydifferent materials.

From its origins in 2000 as astart-up with innovativetechnology for polishing ultra-precision surfaces for telescopemirrors and other optical surfaces,Zeeko has evolved into a marketleader with a wide polishing andmetrology product portfolio.

Zeeko has been a keyinnovator in the development ofprocesses that in the comingyears are expected to underpinthe astronomical community.

It remains an innovative, youngand dynamic technology-basedbusiness with globally protectedintellectual property extending to52 worldwide patents.

Contact: Richard FreemanTel: +44 1530 815 832e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.zeeko.co.uk

Farnborough 2010

Boeing 787 gear manufacture atMoog Aircraft Group.

Zeeko IRP1600 installed in Wales.

Visit us at Hall 1,

Stand B14


11


The logistical specialists…serving the aerospace anddefence industries

Call 01384 221642email [email protected] www.jjxlogistics.co.uk

• Nationwide collection/delivery service • UK and Europe • Hazardous Freight A.D.R. • Air freight - Level 4 •

JJX Logistics is a member of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance

24-hours

07787 525053

A LONG-established Coventry engineering firm,Arrowsmith saw the opportunity through SC21 toreduce the impact of overseas competition in theprecision component industry, improve its ownmanufacturing performance and thus remain

competitive internationally. Managing director Jason Aldridge realised that gaining SC21

recognition would demonstrate Arrowsmith’s commitment toperformance within its supply chain.

Diagnostics funded by MAS-WM and conducted by expertconsultants TEC identified key areas to focus on under theprogramme, including on time in full (OTIF) performance,referencing customer satisfaction and achieving the SC21 bronzeaward.

The most significant impact on customer OTIF achievementstemmed from delays in sub-contract processes. Arrowsmith

worked with TEC to re-layout and maintain the quality assurancearea to improve throughput, which reduced inspection waitingtime. Introduction of total production maintenance (TPM) has alsoproved successful in reducing downtime.

As a result of the SC21 programme, Arrowsmith has increasedOTIF performance by 20 per cent.

The information from the new manufacturing resource planning (MRP) system is being used to drive supplier OTIFachievement.

A formal SC21 improvement methodology has beensuccessfully woven into all operations at Arrowsmith, resulting in acomplete culture change for the company.

Arrowsmith saw its manufacturing excellence and businessexcellence scores increase significantly, from 180 to 318 within thespace of 12 months.

" www.arrowsmitheng.co.uk

Arrowsmith achieves performance boost through SC21

BIRMINGHAM-basedPrecision Micro is one of thelargest independentmanufacturing operations of itskind in Europe, using a range

of technologies to manufacture precisionflat-profile and three-dimensionalcomponents for aerospace and other high-tech engineering applications.

Despite many years’ experience as anaerospace supplier, and with a raft ofcustomer approvals, managing directorAnthony Marrett saw the need to upgradethe company’s already stringent qualitymanagement system to encompass allaerospace and defence customerrequirements and lock in advancements inlean manufacturing.

With support from MAS-WM under SC21,

Precision Micro completely re-structured itsquality management system under the newrevision of the AS/EN9100 standard to adopta more modern visual approach, activelyinvolving the entire operational team.

The work has paid off through thedoubling of output for one of its keyaccounts and improved quality and

housekeeping issues throughout the entirebusiness.

The company has also successfullydeployed the values of SC21 from boardlevel right through to the shop floor and isactively encouraging the application ofrigorous quality systems and leanmanufacturing methods to promotecontinual improvement and development.

MD Anthony Marrett said: “I wasparticularly proud that our extremelytalented team was able to implement thesystem and achieve 100 per cent first-timecompliance in a matter of months… Wehave always sought to achieve the higheststandards of quality and AS/EN9100certification demonstrates this commitmentthroughout our entire organisation.”

" www.precisionmicro.com

System upgrade yields results for Precision Micro SC21 CASE STUDIES

Value throughout the business.

Accredited to ISO 9001:2008


Midlands prime Rolls-Royce celebratedthe first run of the Trent XWB, the latestmember of its Trent aero engine family, onschedule in June. More than 1,000examples of the engine, which will powerthe Airbus A350 XWB family of aircraft,are on order.

The Midlands site of robotics specialistKUKA is teaming up with Airbus on aninnovative automation system forassembling complex aircraft structures.The work is part of the EC-backedAdvanced Low Cost Aircraft Structures(ALCAS) project.

Two next-generation waterborne structuralprimers from AkzoNobel Aerospacehave received approvals from BombardierBelfast. Aerowave 2001 and 2002,supplied by AkzoNobel’s Midlands site inLeicester, are reduced chromate andchrome-free primers.

Derbyshire engineering firm RMDGAerospace was won a contract worth£350,000 to produce parts for the GECF34-8 engine. RMDG will supplyhydraulic pipes and tubes for the nacellewhich is manufactured by Aircelle.

Midlands-based Gardner Group hasacquired R D Precision, a manufacturerand supplier of metallic aerospace detailsand sub-assemblies. The business is nowknown as Gardner Aerospace – Broughton.

NEW MEMBERS IN BRIEF

About the MAA… Contact the MAA

If you have a query or suggestionthat you wish to make, please contact the MAA by any of themeans below:

T: +44 (0) 2476 430250F: +44 (0) 2476 430001E: [email protected]

The Midlands Aerospace Alliance(MAA) is the voice of companies inthe British Midlands supplyingglobal aerospace. It was set up in2003 to improve wealth creationand employment for companiesand people involved in the aerospace industry across theMidlands. The MAA is supportedby Advantage West Midlands(AWM) and the East MidlandsDevelopment Agency (emda).

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For additional copies of AIM, or to add your clients to the distribution database,please contact the MAA Secretariat.

The MAA welcomes the following new members:

FULL MEMBERS

Able AftermarketBirminghamPrecision engineering.

Aerospace Contract ServicesMansfieldManufacturing cost appraisal andoptimisation, negotiation support and modelling.

Arvada Strategic Marketing LtdLichfieldMarketing consultancy.

David Hayes Export ControlsLeicesterConsultancy advising on compliancewith export control laws.

DoncastersBurton on TrentPrecision engineering.

GRM ConsultingLeamington SpaEngineering consultancy.

Hucknall Sheet Metal Eng LtdNottinghamAerospace laser fabrication, machining and assembly.

I M Kelly AerospaceCoventrySupplier of soft interior and trimmedproducts for aircraft.

Morson Projects LtdSolihullEngineering consultancy.

MP Engineering UK LtdHinckleyManufacturer of components.

P B Archer ConsultancyDerbyBusiness consultancy.

Pentaxia LtdDerbyManufacturer of patterns and tooling.

RMDG Aerospace LtdSwadlincoteSupplier of specialised rigid tubeassemblies and fittings.

Shaw Sheetmetal (Rugby) LtdRugbySheetmetal work and fabrication.

Tower Tool Company LtdWigstonPrecision engineering and toolmaking.

Virtual PiECoventryEngineering design and developmentservices.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

EncocamHuntingdonManufacturing and engineering services.


maa’s record year at farnborough - midlands aerospace · maa’s trail-blazing aerospace...

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