KMF Advanced Solutions division scores further aerospace success

The Newcastle under Lyme firm has been awarded the contract to manufacture components and assemblies for use in premium seating solutions for some of the world's leading airlines, following an order from Contour Aerospace (part of Zodiac Aerospace). This latest win was built on a strong working relationship, explains Lyndon Royall, business development manager, Advanced Solutions. "With Contour, we started by manufacturing relatively simple piece parts, but, as part of the KMF/Contour strategy over the past six months, we have seen a rationalisation of these parts and a move to supply higher level components and assemblies." KMF is currently transfering high volumes of fabricated parts and larger complicated assembly's from Contour's manufacturing site in Cwmbran to the Advanced Solutions facility in Newcastle under Lyme, which will see it to become the main supplier of components and seat assemblies. The most recent additions to KMF's portfolio are three programmes for commercial aircraft, which are due for release into production later this year. "Since we started this project with Contourwe have seen solid growth in this side of the business, and it fully justifies the investment that KMF has made in this facility," Mr Royall maintains. "With an additional 10,000 sq ft of manufacturing capacity dedicated to the Advanced Solutions facility, we are well placed to continue to expand our move into the aerospace sector, providing customers with the confidence that SC21 Silver approval brings, including full material traceability, on-time deliveries and a dedicated workforce and environment for this type of work." The creation and development of Advanced Solutions is playing a significant role in growing KMF's turnover, which last year topped £30 million. The ability to service niche markets and customers in the demanding areas of aerospace, medical, and defence through this dedicated manufacturing facility is also freeing up space within the company's original manufacturing site where major investment continues, including two state-of-the-art laser processing cells and automated workhandling systems. Image: Lyndon Royall pictured with one of the many assemblies manufactured by KMF (Precision Sheet Metal) at its Advanced Solutions facility for Contour Aerospace.