Aerospace forum scales new heights as membership grows

THE Coventry & Warwickshire Aerospace Forum is expanding its expertise after landing two new members.

Aircraft systems designers and manufacturers Tenencia Aerospace Design and maintenance overhaul firm CFS Aero, both based in Baginton, have joined CWAF to take the forum’s growing membership to 14.

CWAF is a group of engineering and manufacturing businesses in the aerospace sector that work together to support the industry, from providing world class improvements on manufacturing processes in an ever-changing climate to working with schools and universities to bring through aerospace’s next generation of workers.

The forum’s newest recruit Tenencia designs, manufactures and installs a variety of systems for civil and military aircraft, such as flight management systems and seats on Monarch Airlines, to installing wireless inflight systems for Iberia Express.

The firm also synchronises everyday technology such as tablets with aircraft cockpits for airlines such as EasyJet to help pilots plan their journeys.

Paul Johnson, CEO of Tenencia, said: “There’s such a diverse range of specialisms feeding into the construction and maintenance of aircraft, so when we were asked if we wanted to join CWAF it was a no-brainer for us.

“The origins of our business began in Coventry in the 80s, and to be able to join a network of other businesses in the area where we can discuss industry issues and identify potential opportunities together is really exciting for us.”

CFS Aero repairs and maintains a variety of parts that are essential to the operation of civic and military aircraft, from piston and turbine engines to propellers and landing gears.

David Newhouse, CEO of CFS Aero, said: “We are delighted to have joined the versatile and enormously skilled group of companies making up CWAF. With the often varied requirements of our clients it is a great benefit to us to have access to both CWAF’s collective capability in supporting our own needs whilst also benefitting from decades of the members’ shared experience of working with big international companies.”

Other CWAF members specialise in metal finishing, precision machining, electronic assembly, heat treatment and laser cutting.

Jason Aldridge, managing director of Arrowsmith Engineering and chairman of CWAF, said the input provided by Tenencia and CFS Aero would strengthen the reputation of the forum and the services it could offer.

He said: “The big players in the aerospace industry are investing heavily in new technologies that touch every facet of the modern day aircraft, so it’s important that the supply chain keeps up with this.

“Tenencia and CFS Aero bring different specialisms to the table, so by having them on board strengthens the CWAF’s ability to provide one of the most competitive supply chains in the world.

“It can sometimes be difficult for SMEs to implement ideas, overcome problems and carry out research, so the fact that our membership is growing is positive news for the aerospace industry and the local business community.”

CWAF is supported by Coventry City Council’s Business Support Team through the European Regional Development Fund Business Support Programme.

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