Member Article

Putting the ACE into aerospace

Supply chain manufacturers looking to diversify into the aerospace sector will have the opportunity to discuss their plans with technology experts over breakfast, as Telford-based Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), a leading manufacturer of precision photo etched metal components, hosts a ‘Make your Ideas Happen’ Roadshow on 17 March.

ACE’s managing director Ian Whateley will be sharing his experience of innovation in the aerospace market, as well as giving delegates a behind the scenes tour through their etching facility – before revealing how they can secure up to £150,000 of match funding to develop their own product for the aerospace industry with a new government-backed programme.

Created by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), the roadshow is a chance for manufacturers to get involved in the BIS-funded National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), a unique programme that is injecting money and expert mentoring into helping small and medium sized companies become world-leaders in the aerospace supply chain.

ACE’s managing director Ian Whateley commented: “By taking delegates around our facility, we’ll be able to demonstrate the etching processes we use, show how these processes can be tailored to more than 1500 different types of materials, which I’m sure will raise some interesting questions and opportunities. We’re looking forward to sharing our experiences of research and development with other manufacturers, and also explain why working in the global aerospace market is so rewarding.

“We know how important it is to learn as much from the research that doesn’t succeed as from the research that does, and that all experiences can be used as a stepping stone to greater collaborative opportunities. Through NATEP, companies will be supported and guided through this process.”

NATEP technology manager Peter Knight said: “In the time it takes to have breakfast, companies will be able to meet a potential customer or supplier, start the process of bidding for NATEP funding, and learn about a new manufacturing process. And they can still be back at their desks for a full day in the office.

“That’s the basic principle of NATEP. We understand the unique pressures that are on smaller businesses in the supply chain. Unlike other funding schemes, we are here to help right from the start – even helping companies put together that very first bid. Our final call for funding is open until 14 May 2015, so now really is the time to get involved.”

To find out more about the ‘Make it Happen’ Roadshow, visit http://www.midlandsaerospace.org.uk/events/natep-event-170315.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Midlands Aerospace Alliance .