Arrowsmith selected for pioneering new aerospace work
A COVENTRY aerospace supplier is creating new engineering jobs and safeguarding existing roles after receiving new research and development funding.
Arrowsmith has secured the support from the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP).
The award come just weeks after the company secured a six-funding deal to enable it to expand its premises on the on Bayton Road Industrial Estate with the acquisition of an adjacent unit.
Led by managing director Jason Aldridge, Arrowsmith has been working in collaboration with the Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum, ANT Industries and specialists at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to develop new aerospace standard threadrolling processes.
Threadrolling is the process of putting screw threads on metal parts and staff are being retrained to work with different materials. NATEP said that by being part of the development of new processes to achieve this, the company was embracing a collaborative approach to innovation. In this way, Arrowsmith is safeguarding the jobs of its skilled engineers and starting the company on a path to growth that should lead to new jobs, it added.
The Arrowsmith team was given a tour of the MTC facilities to give engineers the chance to understand the important role their advanced manufacturing techniques will play in the development of next generation aero-engines and aircraft.
Jason Aldridge said: “The visit to MTC was, for me, the final proof that the culture of our business has fundamentally changed. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other engineers has helped everyone believe in our own capabilities, and in our own potential.
“We are moving forward with a more corporate mindset, continually lifting our game, and setting our sights higher. Through this NATEP project, we will become a centre of excellence for aerospace standard threadrolling – and we’ll be working alongside the very best companies in the world, to create cutting edge solutions.”
Most of the research is being done in Arrowsmith’s own workshop, and the MTC engineers have been working alongside the team there.
Aldridge said: “We have all been impressed by their modest attitudes and exceptional knowledge. As a result, we will be manufacturing components that could previously not be made, and we’ll be using precision controlled production techniques that keep quality high and costs down.
“While the aerospace primes are seen to be investing heavily in new technologies, it’s really important that the supply chain keeps up. Advanced engines need advanced engineering solutions at every stage, so this research is crucial for the industry.
“By working collaboratively, we’re improving the quality and scope of that research, while upskilling our own engineers and sharing our expertise. In order to access the NATEP funding, a customer needed to be on board, and that’s made a real difference too as it gives us valuable insight and focus.”
NATEP technology manager for the Midlands, Peter Knight, added: “The advanced manufacturing techniques being developed through this project have enormous potential in the global marketplace.
“It’s exciting to see that NATEP is helping the company as a whole to reposition itself in the market, align its culture with that of its end customer, safeguard jobs and develop a centre of excellence here in the Midlands.”
NATEP provides match-funding and mentoring to smaller aerospace companies to work collaboratively across the supply chain and with an end customer, to help bring new technologies to market.
