New processes for etching aluminium and titanium parts is helping a Shropshire manufacturer of precision photo etched metal components smash the £5m barrier for the first time in its history.   Advanced Chemical Etching (A.C.E), which is located on Hortonwood in Telford, has seen sales soar by 20% over the last twelve months, with new contracts secured across the aerospace, F1 and automotive sectors.   The firm’s ACmE and TiME processes have generated significant demand from a global customer base that Is committed to sourcing ... Read more

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and global aviation supplier GKN Aerospace have entered into a long-term partnership to work together on developing advanced technologies for the aerospace industry. The AMRC works closely with global leaders in the aerospace industry to develop innovative technology, manufacturing methods and techniques. The AMRC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GKN Aerospace to progress a series of research themes they are developing together at the AMRC’s state-of-the-art Factory 050, the dedicated ... Read more

Rivals Airbus and Dassault Aviation have struck a deal to develop and produce Europe’s next generation of fighter aircraft. The two companies said their European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) would replace the existing planes by 2040.   The French and German governments have yet to set out their exact requirements for the programme, which will also include the manufacture of drones and communications technology. And the two companies have yet to decide which of them would take the lead role in the ... Read more

Airbus has struck a deal to increase the number of planes it makes in China as part of a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The European giant aims to produce six of its A320 jets each month by 2020 at its final assembly plant near Beijing.   During his three-day visit, Mr Macron said both France and China must open up to doing business with each other. He told an audience of French and Chinese business leaders: “If we don’t deal with ... Read more