BAE Systems teams up with Bolton firm Bindatex to improve efficiency

Defence and aerospace giant BAE Systems has teamed up with Bolton manufacturer Bindatex to ramp up the production of low-volume advanced slit materials used in the aerospace industry.

The deal, which will see Bindatex processing composite materials to tight tolerances for BAE Systems to use in various aerospace projects, follows a UK parliamentary briefing note predicting that the industry will grow by around 6.8% in the next few years.

Simon Baxter, a composites development engineer based at BAE Systems’ facility in Samlesbury, Lancashire, said: “With its base in Greater Manchester and as a growing, independent business with no minimum order quantity, Bindatex is an ideal choice for BAE Systems and will be instrumental in providing agility in the development of our process and products.”

Speaking further, Simon said he believes Bindatex’s ability to fulfill small orders quickly will allow BAE Systems to slash lead times.

He added: “[This] is not always possible with our conventional supply chain, which is focused on delivering product to its high volume customers.”

Bindatex’s managing director, Chris Lever, called the contract a “real coup” for the firm.

He said: “The pace of the supply chain in the world of composites can be hampered by long lead times so, ultimately, the aim of the partnership is to speed up the process for the benefit of the aerospace sector, which is one of the major industries we supply.”

“We look forward to seeing the relationship develop as our capabilities advance and evolve within an industry that’s certainly set to boom over the coming years.”

The news follows the announcement last week that Bindatex has created jobs and plans further recruitment after receiving an £80k boost from the Business Growth Hub’s Textiles Growth programme.

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