Surface Transforms agrees development deal with US manufacturer

HIGH performance brake manufacturer Surface Transforms has signed a development agreement with a US manufacturer of aircraft wheels and brakes.

The Ellesmere Port-based firm, which is one of the world’s two manufacturers of ceramic brake discs for the aircraft and automotive industries, did not name the company but described it as, “a major division of a multi-national corporation, which manufactures engineering components for a wide variety of automotive, industrial and aerospace markets.”

The agreement relates to the manufacture of carbon ceramic disc brakes for aircraft, with an emphasis on military aircraft.

AIM-listed Surface Transforms said it has been working on the agreement for two years and it is expected to lead to “significant orders”. Testing work on the brakes will be carried out over the next 12 months.

Chief executive Kevin Johnson said: “The agreement of commercial terms is a positive statement from the customer on the success of the work we have undertaken to date and of the importance of our products to the customer’s future plans.”