MTL sees success in SUV market with innovative armour technology

LATEST generation armour developed by steel specialist MTL Group is breaking new ground in the SUV market.

The global armour specialist said its new technology  is being used to supply kits up to B7 level protection with reduced weight compared to traditional methods.

Simon Hurst sales manager for defence at MTL Group said: “Utilising our SMARTbending technique DFM and the latest generation in armour we are able to help create unique kits at significantly lower weight than previously possible.

“Our customers are contacting us on a weekly basis to take advantage of this breakthrough. The weight saving in some cases is can be reduced by 30% on the materials alone. Due to our SMARTbend technique we are producing easy to fit cold formed panels that would traditionally have been welded therefore reducing the number of parts and increasing the strength.”

MTL Group is currently working on a number of vehicle types ranging from family saloons to the more traditional land cruisers and high end VIP vehicles.

The company is one of the UK’s leading project manufacturing specialists in the supply of added value metal components, ranging from precision cut parts to high integrity machined fabrications for the defence, construction and offshore renewable energy sector.

Clients include BAE Systems and Caterpillar. Established in 1995, MTL Group underwent a management buyout in 2006 and has doubled its turnover in the last five years to £50m.

The move from Darnall in Sheffield to its new 300,00sq ft facility in Brinsworth, Rotherham, in January 2011 enabled MTL Group to double its capacity and brought all of its manufacturing under one roof.

It employs 365 people in Rotherham and a further 15 at its quayside facility in Blyth, Northumberland.