Accrofab Ltd
Posted:
Accrofab make their mark for airline safety.
Air travel is statistically one of the safest ways to travel.
The number of UK air travel passengers is expected to rise from 181 million passengers per year in 2000 to 402 million passengers per year by 2020. Accidents are, thankfully, rare.
The Aerospace industry has now introduced regulations for all airplane engine parts to have coded machine readable markings to help safeguard against the use of substandard imitation parts.
Aerospace component manufacturers, Accrofab, have invested in a 2D Data Matrix Marking Machine, with co-funding from the East Midlands NTI Aerospace Network, to secure their place in the industry.
The new machine will enable Spondon based Accrofab to tender for contracts with some of the biggest names across the world.
But it is the training element of the NTI package, that particularly attracted Business Manager, Nick Willers’ attention.
He said: “The aerospace industry has adopted new standards for traceability of components. Larger companies are now flowing down the requirement to their supply chains. But installing the equipment with the help of the NTI grant hasn’t been the be all and end all of the process. Nine of our staff are receiving training in Lean Manufacturing at De Montfort University. They are learning about refining systems and processes, and are already helping to create a more efficient and streamlined business.”
Nick added: “This is a very competitive field and we hope to win even more business as a result of our work with the NTI.”
Dave Stockton, of De Montfort University said: “There are no lay-bys at 30,000 feet say the aerospace quote which neatly sums up the need to use only quality assured components within aircraft. Part marking is essential to achieving this aim. Hence, if you don’t have the technology, you don’t supply the industry.