Flying high Mettis Aerospace

FLYING HIGH

Aerospace components specialist Mettis Aerospace is utilising both its heritage and its future-focused strategy to continue to perform well in the competitive international aero engines and airframes industry. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to the executive chairman, Brian Doran, to find out more.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, aerospace components manufacturer Mettis Aerospace has long been at the top of its game. In fact, the company can trace its roots back to the very first jet engine, when it manufactured the impeller for the original Whittle power jet, under its original name High Duty Alloys.

Such a strong heritage has continued to boost Mettis Aerospace’s appreciation of the importance of manufacturing quality components for its worldwide customers. The executive Chairman, Brian Doran, told Industry Europe, “We’ve been present since the very start of the British aerospace industry and so know the industry inside out. We have a unique perspective, in that we have not only fathers and sons working in our company, but even some grandfathers too. It means we have a total understanding of the technical aspect of our business as well as the constantly changing demands of the industry.” With Mettis Aerospace having an unusually strong dedication to maintaining and promoting its apprenticeship programme, the fact that it has staff across all age ranges

highlights how it stays close to its past as well as being focused on the latest technology and ever-changing demands. Mr Doran continued, “There are so many changes and trends that are affecting us. It is both challenging and exciting making sure we stay at the forefront of these changes and I’m proud to say I believe we are succeeding. We have a fresh new management team that is being strengthened all the time. After all, we’re competing in an aggressive market – airlines need to be buying planes for component manufacturers such as us to succeed, so ultimately we need people to be buying tickets to travel.”

Exciting demands

Mr Doran pointed out that much of this increasing demand is coming from India, Asia and China, where the rise in disposable income is creating a rapid upturn in both international and domestic air travel. The airline industry predicts that around 20,000 new airframes will be required by 2030 in order to cope with demand, with this having a positive knock-on effect to companies such as Mettis.

Mr Doran continued, “We are finding that many airlines around the world are needing to upgrade less efficient planes, so we have great opportunities for development here.”

In order to maximise the potential of these opportunities, Mettis is keen to highlight its extensive capabilities in forging, machining and processing exotic metals for engine blades, airframe components and landing gear. All of its products are manufactured at its 600,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility in Redditch, near Birmingham, and then transported wherever in the world they are required.

Mr Doran said, “We are increasingly providing a full service solution to our customers. In this challenging marketplace, we are well aware that reducing costs while maintaining quality is what will enable us to keep our market-leading position. We are unable to cut any corners in the manufacturing process, but by reducing administration we can improve efficiency, which lets us pass on cost savings to our customers. Our own very capable machine shop on site has the latest five-axis machining centres which enables us to offer a cheaper forged and machined solution. We are also able to undertake production of machined parts if we have spare capacity. This flexible, multidisciplined approach is beneficial to our customers as they know they can come to us with any manufacturing requirement which we will always be able to meet – quickly, efficiently and with great skill.” Spending wisely

Continuous investment is also a key element in Mettis Aerospace’s ongoing success. Owned by a City-based private equity group, it has access to considerable investment which helps it continue to lead the way in the aerospace component manufacturing sector.

Mr Doran added, “It’s not just about having deep pockets – continuous investment also requires continuous improvement in order to spend the money wisely and see results. We have a team of in-house continuous improvement engineers that are dedicated to working on upgrading our offer and helping to reduce production costs so that we stay competitive.”

Staying competitive is part of Mettis Aerospace’s strategy for success for the next 75 years, alongside building on its growth potential in emerging markets. Mr Doran continued, “We know that price pressures will continue and we’re well prepared. Mettis today is a clever hybrid of our past and our future; we are committed and focused on meeting the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s customers by ensuring that we harness, and pass on, the benefits of 75 years of manufacturing expertise in the aerospace industry.” n