Latest News from MB Aerospace

MB Aerospace Acquires Thomson Aero

Webmaster — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, (MB Aerospace) one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies, has announced the acquisition of the business and certain assets of Thomson Aero Ltd from administrators KPMG LLP.

The successful conclusion of the sale safeguards the employment of the company’s highly skilled, 60-strong workforce and provides the opportunity for continued manufacturing at its Frome facility in Somerset.

The business will form a new division of MB Aerospace, alongside the Group’s three UK-based facilities located in Derby, Burnley and Motherwell.

Founded in 1959, Thomson Aero Ltd has a blue-chip customer base and provides engineering solutions and manufactured aero-engine components for a number of civil, defence and industrial gas turbines.

With recent annual revenues of approximately £6m, Thomson Aero Ltd has developed a sophisticated range of engineering and production capabilities for a number of key aero-engine programmes, including complex machined components supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon and Airbus A330 aircraft, as well as a range of legacy platforms.

Craig Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: “This acquisition provides us with a range of additional complex machining capabilities and a highly skilled workforce ready to support the challenging needs of our global customers, including Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing and GKN Aerospace.

“The administration of Thomson Aero Ltd has been a challenging period for employees, customers and supplier stakeholders alike; however, I’m confident the acquisition provides the best solution available for all and that MB Aerospace will be able to stabilise the business and position it for future growth.”

Allan Thomson, General Manager of Thomson Aero, said: “We have continued to invest in state-of-the-art technologies and the ongoing training and development of our staff which has positioned us well for the acquisition by MB Aerospace.

”MB Aerospace recognises the quality of business built here in Frome and we’re looking forward to working with the wider MB Aerospace Group to benefit from the global experience of a larger aerospace family of companies.”

This deal marks MB Aerospace’s second acquisition in just three months following the recent purchase of Gentz Aero, based in Detroit, USA in December 2011, bringing the total number of employees in the MBAe Group to almost 450.

Both deals have been financed following the sale of MBAe’s two non-core subsidiaries, MB Faber (in August 2009) and MBAe Oil & Gas (March 2011), as part of the company’s strategy to focus on its key aerospace business. The Group has also benefited throughout from the continuing support of its major equity investor, LDC, which backed the management buyout of the business in 2007.

John Swarbrick, Senior Director at LDC, commented: “The deal will further increase MB Aerospace’s production capabilities, whilst creating a number of synergies as a result of the two firms’ complementary product offerings and target markets.

“MB Aerospace’s experienced, acquisitive management team continues to develop an international components manufacturer of scale, which generates significant value for its customers and shareholders alike, whilst contributing to the regional economies in which it operates.”

Mr Gallagher, added: “As aerospace markets continue to grow due to increased demand for air and freight travel, the Thomson Aero Ltd takeover provides us with additional skills and a significantly enhanced engineering capacity to service our growing global customer base.

“This acquisition will broaden the MB Aerospace customer base and further serves to strengthen the product range offered to a number of the Group’s existing customers.”

Independent forecasters expect more than 30,000 new aircraft to be delivered in the next two decades, with the total size of the airline fleet currently in service expected to more than

double. This growth is being fuelled by the rising demand for travel in Asia coupled with the need of European and American airlines to replace aging aircraft.

Ends

Notes to editors:
MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

MB Aerospace is an international aerospace engineering group with revenues of $80million providing complex engineering solutions to some of the key names in the aerospace and defence market.

The group provides an in-depth knowledge of critical manufacturing technologies and the global supply chain management to support complex aero-engine component manufacture and repair.

MBAe supports major corporations to address the root causes of under-performance in their extended and fragmented supply chains and helps safe-guard the continuity of supply in challenging circumstances.

Craig Gallagher, 39, Group Chief Executive, led the MBAe management buy-out in 2007, which acquired a number of engineering businesses from Scottish industrial veteran Motherwell Bridge. Since 2007, Gallagher and his team have secured strategic remits with a number of key aerospace and defence companies.

In addition, the group has executed a number of divestments with funds redeployed to acquire high-skill engineering-led businesses and provide the Group with the capacity and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support our aero-engine OEM customers as the global aerospace and defence markets return to a period of sustained growth

LDC

LDC is part of the Lloyds Banking Group and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

LDC has, since 1981, completed over 400 investments, has ongoing interests in over 60 businesses across the UK.

LDC back ambitious management teams from UK-based companies seeking between £2m and £100m of equity for management buy-outs, institutional buy-outs or development capital transactions.

LDC invests in a broad range of sectors and has particular experience in Construction & Property, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials, Retail & Consumer, TMT, Travel & Leisure and Support Services.

LDC is the leading private equity company in the UK mid-market. Recent transactions include investments with Angel Springs, A-Gas, Music Magpie, Learndirect, PJD Group, and UK2 Group plus exits from Aesica, Davies Group, and Ascend.

LDC has a UK regional network alongside an international operation based in Hong Kong.

For further information, call Dave Lafferty on 0161 235 0318 or visit www.ldc.co.uk For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

For further information please contact:

Michelle Holton

Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 07957 870 514

michelle.holton@bigpartnership.co.uk

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd Establishes North American Supply Chain Management Business

Webmaster — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, which last month completed the acquisition of US based Gentz Industries (Gentz Aero) in Detroit, MI, has today (Monday, January 23) announced plans to establish a North American base for its Supply Chain Management (SCM) services business.

MB Aerospace (MBAe) currently operates a successful SCM service business throughout Europe from its UK-based operation in Derby, delivering a range of complex, high-value aftermarket aero-engine components to the leading names in the global aerospace market.

MBAe’s new North American SCM services business unit, which will initially be based in Michigan, is ideally placed to service the global aerospace industry’s increasing reliance on additional engineering and program management resource, supporting their supply management capability and meeting future growth needs.

Experienced UK aerospace executive Wayne Gibson has been appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager. Gibson has worked with MBAe based in the UK for almost three years as Head of Engineering and Quality at its SCM services business.

He has played an integral role in developing MBAe’s growing aftermarket Supply Chain Management Services business in Europe and will now transfer his expertise to focus on the growth of the US market.

The supply chain operation will work closely with MB Aerospace’s own in-house manufacturing capabilities in Michigan and the UK and will include several of the company’s existing US and European manufacturing supply chain partners.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive officer of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, congratulated Gibson on his appointment. He said: “Wayne is a highly-respected and valued member of the MBAe team and I’m delighted he is taking up this position in the US, specifically to meet the growing demands of our US headquartered global customers.

“We have identified an opportunity to provide additional engineering and program management resource to service the industry’s leading aero-engine manufacturers as the aerospace industry continues to grow and launch new platforms globally.

“By outsourcing the SCM of legacy components, we will enable our customers to focus their efforts on design, system integration and the priority of launching and managing the demand for several new platforms.

“Wayne’s long-standing experience in the aerospace industry, which includes 22 years with Rolls-Royce in a number of engineering roles including international assignments in Japan and the US, make him an ideal candidate to develop a strong network of supply chain partners to service North American customers.”

Gibson will be based at MBAe’s offices in Michigan and will work closely with the MB Aerospace board to help execute the group’s North American growth strategy whilst also providing engineering support to the organisation’s existing component manufacturing and repair activities at Gentz Aero.

Gentz Aero has an outstanding reputation within the global aerospace industry, manufacturing complex, high-precision engine components to an established customer base, comprising some of the leading names in the global aerospace market.

Key customers of Gentz Aero include Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand, Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Volvo Aerospace and the US Department of Defense.

Gibson said: “This is an excellent opportunity for me personally and an exciting time for MBAe as it looks to significantly grow our operations globally.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our US supply chain partners including the new team at Gentz Aero following the recent acquisition to establish a full understanding of its manufacturing capabilities and how it can play a key part in the SCM services offering.”

MBAe’s strategic acquisition of Gentz Aero will provide the SCM services business with significant capacity and capabilities to share with its target customer base.

Mr Gallagher added: “Our vision is to provide customers with world-class technologies and exceptional service. The newly enlarged group, based in the manufacturing heartlands of the United States and Great Britain, boasts a proven track-record within the aerospace industry.

“This significant investment will open up exciting opportunities to develop our approach to legacy component sourcing solutions in the world’s largest aero-engine marketplace.”

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd is an international aerospace engineering group providing complex engineering solutions to some of the key names in the aerospace and defence market.

The group provides an in-depth knowledge of critical manufacturing technologies and the global supply chain management to support complex aero-engine component manufacture and repair.

MBAe supports major corporations to address the root causes of under-performance in their extended and fragmented supply chains and helps safe-guard the continuity of supply in challenging circumstances.

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, which has operations in Motherwell, Derby and Burnley, completed a multi-million pound acquisition of US-based Gentz Industries in December 2011. The merger with MBAe’s three UK sites in Scotland and England brings the total number of employees in the group to more than 400.

Ends

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd

For further information please contact:

Michelle Holton, The BIG Partnership

Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 07957 870 514

Senior Aerospace Figure Appointed To Head Gentz Aerospace

Webmaster — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, which last month completed the acquisition of Gentz Aerospace (“Gentz Aero”) has today (Monday, January 23) announced that senior US aerospace executive Mike Smith has been appointed Executive Vice President & Managing Director of the Michigan-based company.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive officer of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, warmly welcomed the appointment. He said: “The arrival of such a senior and highly-respected leader for our Michigan operation is great news for the company as a whole.

“Mike’s outstanding track record at GE Unison Engine Components and Smiths Aerospace made him the stand-out candidate in our search for a dynamic and experienced figure to help drive our business forward in the US.

“His experience as a senior executive at two of the US’s major aerospace businesses underscores his impressive capabilities, and his broad range of skills and deep industry knowledge will be major assets as we grow the group’s current $80m turnover.”

Smith will be based at the Gentz Aero facility in Michigan and will work closely with the MB Aerospace board to help execute the group’s North American strategy of substantially growing its existing component manufacturing and repair activities.

Gentz Aero, based in Detroit, Michigan, has an outstanding reputation within the global aerospace industry, manufacturing complex, high-precision engine components to an established customer base, comprising some of the leading names in the global aerospace market.

Key customers of Gentz Aero include Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand, Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Volvo Aerospace and the US Department of Defense.

Smith, who has a Masters Degree in Aerospace from University of Tennessee in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Western Carolina, has 26 years of manufacturing, marketing and business leadership experience within the US aerospace industry. An engineer by trade, he has a deep understanding of the advanced manufacturing technologies involved in the complex aerospace components market and has been at the forefront of global aerospace sales for the last five years.

Smith said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity and I’m confident we can significantly grow the Gentz Aero operation and the MB Aerospace Group in the years ahead. We have many tremendously talented and ambitious people within the company and a strong strategic growth plan.

“The investment in the acquisition of Gentz by MB Aerospace is a huge vote of confidence in the business and one which I am sure everyone at Gentz Aero will vindicate.”

MB Aerospace’s strategic acquisition of Gentz Aero has doubled the size of the group, which focuses on the supply chain management, manufacture and repair of highly complex machined and fabricated components for global aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturers.

Speaking at the time of the acquisition in December, Craig Gallagher said: “This acquisition is part of our long-term strategy to grow our core aerospace business internationally.

“We see strong synergies between the US and UK operations with two very distinct customer bases providing the opportunity to leverage the capabilities and strengths of both businesses into new markets, whilst securing employment and supporting the rapid growth of the business on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd is an international aerospace engineering group providing complex engineering solutions to some of the key names in the aerospace and defence market.

The group provides an in-depth knowledge of critical manufacturing technologies and the global supply chain management to support complex aero-engine component manufacture and repair.

Ends

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd

For further information please contact:

Michelle Holton, The BIG Partnership

Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 07957 870 514

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd Acquires US-Based Gentz Industries

Webmaster — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies, has announced a multi-million pound acquisition of US-based Gentz Industries.

The strategic acquisition doubles the size of MBAe’s current operations creating an international brand with total revenues in excess of $80m per annum. The group will focus on the supply chain management, manufacture and repair of highly complex machined and fabricated components for global aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturers.

The group, which has operations in Motherwell, Derby and Burnley, completed the sale of its two non-core subsidiaries, MB Faber (in August 2009) and MBAe Oil & Gas (March 2011), as part of its strategy to focus on its key aerospace business, whilst providing additional capital to support the funding of the US deal.

Gentz Industries, based in Detroit, North Michigan, has an outstanding reputation within the global aerospace industry, manufacturing complex, high-precision engine components to an established customer base, comprising some of the leading names in the global aerospace market.

Key customers of Gentz include Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand, Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Volvo Aerospace and the US Department of Defense.

The deal will see the merger of Gentz Industries’ 250 strong workforce with MBAe’s three UK sites in Scotland and England, bringing the total number of employees in the group to more than 400.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: “This multi-million dollar acquisition is part of our long-term strategy to grow our core aerospace business internationally.

“Our UK businesses continue to perform well, reporting an annual increase in revenue of 20% for the last four consecutive years, and this acquisition opens up real opportunities for us to grow the business and develop strong long-term prospects in a mature aerospace market.

Gentz chief operating officer, Roger Bartolomei, commented: “We‘re excited and energised to be joining the MB Aerospace group of companies. Over the last four years we have invested heavily in the capacity and capability of the Gentz plant and have continued to foster the development of our highly skilled workforce.

“MBAe recognise the tremendous capabilities we have developed in Michigan and we are looking forward to developing our industry-leading complex component solutions business in partnership with MBAe.”

Gentz’s 130,000 sq ft. facility in Detroit, Michigan, is a comprehensive manufacturing facility, which has been providing aerospace engineering solutions and industrial gas turbine technology to its established customer base for the last 50 years.

As well as being a complex component manufacturer, Gentz has significant component repair capabilities underpinned by its high level in-house fabrications expertise, including electron-beam welding, laser deposition welding and vacuum brazing.

The established and wide customer base for the repair revenue stream complements MBAe’s existing focus on aftermarket component solutions.

MBAe will support the Gentz business through its experience in global aerospace and defense supply chains and will offer its unique solution to US original equipment manufacturers for the fragmented and underperforming parts of their legacy supply chains.

Mr Gallagher added: “Our vision is to provide customers with world-class technologies and exceptional service. The newly enlarged group, based in the manufacturing heartlands of America and Great Britain, boasts a proven track-record within the aerospace industry.

“This significant investment will double MBAe’s revenue stream and will open up exciting opportunities to develop our approach to legacy component sourcing solutions in the world’s largest aero-engine marketplace.”

The market for gas turbines is forecast to grow significantly over the next 20 years with strong demand for aero-derivative, power generation and industrial gas turbines.

Independent forecasters expect more than 30,000 new aircraft to be delivered in the next two decades, with the total size of the airline fleet currently in service expected to more than double.

This growth is being fuelled by the rising demand for travel in Asia coupled with the need of European and American airlines to replace ageing aircraft.

The high level of demand for new-build airliners and the continued growth in global energy usage (which is often powered by gas turbines) make this sector a highly attractive industrial market for the foreseeable future.

Mr Gallagher, added: “We are delighted to receive the continued backing of our investors LDC alongside our separate banking partners in the UK and US. This transaction also introduces us to a new banking relationship in the US with Comerica and we look forward to working with them to support the growing needs of the business.”

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Our work with MBAe over the last five years has highlighted the management team's outstanding ambition and determination to build on its success and push for international growth. With the acquisition of Gentz Industries, MBAe is now well positioned to grasp US opportunities and build its reach and capabilities quickly in this new market, and we're already working with them to maximise these opportunities.”

John Swarbrick, senior director at Lloyds Development Capital (LDC), the leading mid-market private equity firm which backed the management buyout of MBAe in 2007, said:

“MBAe’s strong management team, with its heritage in advanced UK manufacturing, continues to develop as a leading components provider of scale and this latest transaction represents a notable milestone in the company’s lifecycle.”

Aurora Battaglia, Vice President of International Finance for Comerica, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to continue the strong historical relationship with Gentz under the new MBAe ownership. We recognize MBAe's successful track record and industry experience and we believe it will provide the enlarged Group with new growth opportunities and a solid foothold in North America.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd is an international aerospace engineering group providing complex engineering solutions to some of the key names in the aerospace and defence market.

The group provides an in-depth knowledge of critical manufacturing technologies and the global supply chain management to support complex aero-engine component manufacture and repair.

Craig Gallagher, 38, Group Chief Executive, led the MBAe management buy-out in 2007, which acquired a number of engineering businesses from Scottish industrial veteran Motherwell Bridge. Since 2007, Gallagher and his team have secured strategic remits with a number of key aerospace and defence companies and completed the divestment of the group’s non-core operations. For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd

For further information please contact:

Michelle Holton, The BIG Partnership

Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 07957 870 514

MB Aerospace Holdings Divests Energy Business to Fund Global Growth

Webmaster — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, has announced the sale of its energy services division, MBAe Oil & Gas Ltd, in a strategic move designed to focus the group on supply chain management services for global aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturers.

The company, which has operations in Motherwell, Derby and Burnley, has now completed the sale of its two non-core subsidiaries, MB Faber Ltd (in August 2009) and MBAe Oil & Gas Ltd, as part of its strategy to focus on its key aerospace business.

The stand-alone subsidiary, MBAe Oil & Gas Ltd (formerly Wellclad and Roberts Pipeline Machining) was sold for £8million to Glacier Energy Services Holdings Limited, a new company formed following investment from Maven Capital, Simmons Parallel Energy Fund and the Clydesdale Bank.

Glacier Energy Services will be headquartered in Aberdeen with former managing director, Dave Sturrock and non-executive director, Scott Martin, assuming responsibilities of chief executive and chairman, respectively.

Functional leaders of the two MBAe Oil & Gas operations, Norman Roberts, technical director, and Robert Hutcheson, operations director, are also joining Glacier Energy Services as part of the new management team.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: "The sale of this non-core operation represents excellent value for our shareholders at MB Aerospace Holdings and allows us to re-invest the proceeds back into our core aerospace business.

"As an established manufacturing business, MBAe Oil & Gas Ltd, has traditionally had good technical overlap with our core aerospace activities; however, the time has now come for the business to realise its organic growth potential and to enlarge its offering to the developing energy markets.

Dave Sturrock, chief executive officer of Glacier Energy Services, said: "Our vision is to provide customers with world-class technologies and exceptional service. Both the acquired companies, based in Scotland's manufacturing heartland, boast a proven track-record and a solid oil and gas customer base. Glacier will add and enhance their existing products and services through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

"From our headquarters in Aberdeen, we will be able to promote these technologies to the international oil and gas market, capitalising on the management team's oil and gas knowledge, expertise and contacts and the strong resurgence in the UK manufacturing sector."

The disposal of MBAe Oil & Gas Ltd provides MB Aerospace with a strong financial position from which to invest in its aftermarket and late-life platform businesses across three key areas:

acquisitions to broaden its customer base and geographic footprint
capital expenditure to add capability to the group's manufacturing operations whilst reducing the need to out-source special processes
investment in the working capital of all its business units to support contract wins and rapid organic growth

Mr Gallagher, continued: "Despite challenging market conditions MB Aerospace has achieved growth in all the major areas of the core business throughout 2010 and through the first quarter of this year.

"Whilst near term, the market has been impacted by the global economic cycle, the long-term fundamentals of the aerospace industry remain sound and we are investing now to secure our ability to compete for the major commercial opportunities arising over the next decade and beyond."

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.

Headquartered in Motherwell, Lanarkshire MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd. specialises in supply chain management, manufacture, integration and the assembly of defence and commercial aerospace systems and components. Principal customers are Boeing and Rolls-Royce.

For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd

For further information please contact:

Michelle Holton, The BIG Partnership
Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 07957 870 514

MB Aerospace Holdings to establish stand-alone oil & gas subsidiary

Webmaster — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, has confirmed it is to re-structure and re-brand its oil & gas engineering service divisions and create a stand-alone subsidiary - MBAe Oil & Gas Limited.

Oil & gas has become an important growth sector for MB Aerospace in recent years and the management team felt it was necessary to create a more focused trading identity, which will allow MB Aerospace to secure further significant contracts.

The news follows the appointment last year of Dave Sturrock as managing director of the group's oil & gas divisions, which include Wellclad and Roberts Pipeline Machining.

Dave joined the group from Triton Group Holdings Ltd where he held the position of group chief operating officer since 2008. Prior to that he held a series of senior positions, including vice president - subsea production systems, at global subsea oil & gas company Vetco Gray where he worked for almost 20 years.

Dave has been working alongside the existing management team of Norman Roberts and Robert Hutcheson, who have played a key role in the success of the divisions to date, to develop a strategic plan of growth.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: "Historically we've always had a presence in the oil & gas sector and have built up significant expertise and experience of the industry. This is despite it not being a key part of our service offering which has always focused on aerospace.

"Since 2009, when we embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, our oil & gas divisions have secured a series of lucrative contracts from across the Middle East and North Africa, and we now wish to replicate this success in the UK, and further afield. It was for this reason we have created a stand-alone subsidiary and in Dave we have recruited an experienced industry executive who will help drive this part of the business forward."

Dave Sturrock added: "Many people don't realise MB Aerospace is active in the oil & gas industry, even though it has an impressive track record of success in securing and delivering high-profile contracts. I believe there is huge potential for growth but to achieve our ambitious plans it is important we have a unique brand and identity which will sit comfortably within the wider group.

"It will help generate more awareness of our breadth of services and with a determined and focussed team now in place, I'm relishing the opportunity of building on the success of both Wellclad and Roberts Pipeline Machining."

Established in 1953, Roberts Pipeline Machining specialises in the design and manufacture of a wide range of portable machining systems for use on land, topside or sub-sea for the oil & gas industry. It is the only UK-based company that manufactures and designs such products, which are used by some of the leading diving and pipe-laying companies across the globe.

Wellclad is an acknowledged leader in weld overlay technology, and was one of the first companies in Europe to develop weld overlay as a routine process for the "cladding" of alloy steels with corrosion resistant alloys in the subsea, oil & gas environment.

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd
Headquartered in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd specialises in the supply chain management, design, integration and assembly of defence and commercial aerospace systems and components.

The company comprises three main aerospace business streams, MB Aerospace Burnley, MB Aerospace Derby and MB Aerospace Motherwell. MB Aerospace oversees all supply chain management, launch system assembly, component manufacture, precision machining of complex components, inspection and testing.

Roberts Pipeline Machining specialises in the design, manufacture, sale and rental of pipeline machining services, while Wellclad has an unrivalled reputation in weld overlay and the machining of subsea components.
For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.
For further information please contact:
Brian McClean, The BIG Partnership tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0775 4390 160

MB Aerospace Appoints New Non-Exec Director

Webmaster — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies, has announced it is to further strengthen its board of directors with the appointment of Paul Carter MBE.

Mr Carter will hold the position of non-executive director and brings extensive experience to the company having worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years.

He joins MB Aerospace Holdings from Premium Aircraft Interiors Group Ltd where he was chief executive for three years and during which time he implemented a series of measures which helped transform the performance of the £360 million turnover business. Prior to that, he held a number of senior positions, including executive vice president – purchase operations, at Rolls Royce plc where he worked for 37 years.

Mr Carter joins MB Aerospace at a time when the company is actively seeking to expand its aero-engine capabilities, and develop and strengthen its extensive supply chain business.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: “To have someone of Paul’s calibre join our board of directors is a tremendous coup. His experience and knowledge of the sector, both nationally and internationally, will play a key role in assisting the company as we look to expand.

“The business has been performing very well, despite the challenging economic environment, and we’re now looking to the North American market where we believe there is huge potential for MB Aerospace. Paul will help develop and implement our growth strategy and we hope to utilise his extensive network of civil and military aerospace contacts.”

John Weston, chairman of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, added: “Paul brings extensive industry experience, especially in aero-engine supply chain management. Not only will he support our ambitious plans for growth, but he will help implement the various operational initiatives we plan to deploy in the coming months and years which will serve to underpin the high levels of service required in the aftermarket sector”

In 2009 MB Aerospace announced details of a US $30 million extension to its contract with the Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

The contract, which will run until 2013, will see MB Aerospace supply torpedo and deck launch systems for the Boeing Harpoon programme and it will run concurrently with existing orders for the supply of deck launch systems.

Notes to editors:

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd
Headquartered in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd specialises in the supply chain management, design, integration and assembly of defence and commercial aerospace systems and components.

The company comprises three main business streams, MB Aerospace Burnley, MB Aerospace Derby and MB Aerospace Motherwell. MB Aerospace oversees all supply chain management, launch system assembly, component manufacture, precision machining of complex components, inspection and testing.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd
For further information please contact:
Brian McClean, The BIG Partnership. Tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0775 4390 160

MB Aerospace - Finalists at Rolls-Royce Supplier of the Year Awards

Webmaster — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, has been recognised by Rolls-Royce at its prestigious Supplier of the Year awards.

Held at Heathrow, London in May 2010, during the Rolls-Royce global supplier conference, the awards recognised MB Aerospace's supply-chain management and component manufacturing capabilities by nominating the company as one of two finalists in the services category.

MB Aerospace, which operates from three sites across the UK, has a long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce having worked with the company for over 30 years. In 2007, it secured a long-term contract to manage and manufacture late-life aftermarket components and as a result, MB Aerospace committed significant investment towards enhancing its engineering capabilities, processes and information systems.

This investment programme included the launch of a new office in Derby, England. Headed by director Doug Loudon, the office has brought MB Aerospace closer to the customer which is based in the city.

MB Aerospace has also invested in production planning and inventory management systems at its sites in Burnley and Motherwell, while the management team is currently considering further expansion with the establishment of a North American-based supply chain.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: "To have been named as a finalist by Rolls-Royce at its Supplier of the Year awards is a great achievement and it's something we're extremely proud of.

"Despite the economic downturn, we have continued to perform well and have experienced significant growth, something which can be contributed to our on-going strategy of providing service support to mature, late-life platforms. The decision to invest in engineering capabilities has also paid off, as it has allowed us to provide the solutions and high-service levels now required by the aftermarket sector."

Aftermarket component supply is managed by MB Aerospace through a network of forgers and machinists. This network provides a broad range of capabilities for engine rings and a significant range of additional component types. Service levels are delivered through rigorous planning and program management and highly evolved engineering teams that work with the client. As part of its work for Rolls-Royce, MB Aerospace manages the supply of over 2,000 aero-engine components for aftermarket gas turbine platforms.

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd will attend the Farnborough International Air Show on 19th - 25th July 2010 where it will exhibit its key services alongside some of the leading names from the world's aerospace sector.

Notes to editors:

The company comprises three main business streams, MB Aerospace Burnley, MB Aerospace Derby and MB Aerospace Motherwell. MB Aerospace oversees all supply chain management, launch system assembly, component manufacture, precision machining of complex components, inspection and testing.

For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.
For further information please contact:
Brian McClean, The BIG Partnership tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0775 4390 160

MB Aerospace Appoints New Board Director

Webmaster — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, has announced the appointment of Doug Loudon to its board of directors.

Doug, who joined the company in August 2008 as general manager, will hold the position of Director - Supply Chain Operations and his appointment follows the recent and continuing growth of MB Aerospace's supply chain management business with Rolls-Royce plc.

Prior to joining MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, Doug spent over 20 years working for Rolls-Royce plc where he held a series of senior operational and purchasing roles and was responsible for a supply chain comprising 70 suppliers.

As part of his new position Doug, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering and management, will oversee the continued growth of the company's supply chain business. He will also be responsible for the implementation of a series of engineering initiatives and operational performance at MB Aerospace's sites in Derby, Burnley and Motherwell, alongside those activities at the company's supply chain partners.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: "Since his appointment in August 2008, Doug has played a key role in strengthening and developing our large supply chain capability. He has also led a company-wide recruitment drive which saw us enhance our engineering resources.

"This resulted in the introduction of several operational initiatives which have further improved our performance and given the current challenging market conditions, it's imperative we continue to maintain our high levels of customer satisfaction."

Notes to editors:

For further information please visit www.mbaerospace.co.uk.

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd.
For further information please contact:
Brian McClean, The BIG Partnership
tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0775 4390 160

MB AEROSPACE SECURES $30M BOEING HARPOON CONTRACT EXTENSION

Webmaster — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

MB Aerospace Ltd, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, has announced details of a US $30 million extension to its contract with the Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

The contract, which will run until 2013, will see MB Aerospace supply torpedo and deck launch systems for the Boeing Harpoon programme and it will run concurrently with existing orders for the supply of deck launch systems. More importantly, it will help secure and create further jobs at MB Aerospace's sites in Burnley.

It is a significant extension to the company's order book with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and it will be managed by MB Aerospace's plant in Burnley which specialises in the supply chain management, integration and assembly of defence systems for a range of global defence contractors.

The Boeing Harpoon is one of the world's most successful anti-ship missiles and it is currently supplied to 27 countries worldwide by the US Navy, one of Boeing's largest customers. MB Aerospace will co-ordinate and programme-manage an approved global supply chain to enable manufacture, test and final assembly of the launch systems.

Craig Gallagher, chief executive officer of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd, said: "We have initially secured a $10 million, one-year contract from Boeing to supply Harpoon deck and torpedo launch systems, but due to the success of the Harpoon programme, Boeing was able to extend our contract until 2013.

"We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with The Boeing Company and we're proud to be associated with Boeing on this prestigious international programme.

"This contract demonstrates the success of our on-going strategy to provide service support to mature, late-life platforms and equipment. We have a well-established, global supply chain in place and our partners, both in Europe and the US, played a key role in ensuring that we were awarded this extension.

"We can now concentrate on expanding our operations in Burnley and Motherwell and growth via acquisition is something that we will consider going forward.

Ian Lucarz, general manager of MB Aerospace's Burnley site, said: "We will manage more than 100 suppliers and several thousand line items to provide Boeing with a high level of service, despite increasing global competition, raw material availability and the impact of trading in US dollars amongst other factors."

Defence minister Bill Rammell MP said: "I am delighted to see MB Aerospace has won this major contract extension with Boeing. This clearly demonstrates the excellence of the work being carried out by workers in Burnley and Motherwell and is another example of the strength of the Anglo-American partnership.

"During these tough global economic times, it's great to see a UK company not only competing on the international stage but winning a defence contract that will create and safeguard jobs for years to come."

Burnley MP Kitty Ussher added: "I am delighted to hear that MB Aerospace has secured this contract. Burnley has a strong manufacturing tradition, and it's great to see large international companies recognising this.

"This contract will safeguard the jobs of staff at MB Aerospace and will allow the company to expand its Burnley operations, creating more jobs, which is great news for my constituents."

Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of MB Aerospace Holdings Ltd

For further information please contact:
Brian McClean, The BIG Partnership tel: 0141 333 9585 / 0775 4390 160