Investment support helps Beaufort achieve step-change

The company manufactures critical and complex components for landing gear, airframe, aero-engine and marine power industries, and its latest M120 joins an M65 and another M120, the first machine to be installed (see Machinery, 2 January 2004, page 20 and page 3). All three machines have attracted grants. “These grants have encouraged our Group to invest in mill-turn technology. This investment has enabled us to make fundamental changes to our business in terms of productivity improvement, to introduce new skills, and most significantly, to strengthen our position in a very competitive global market,” said Joe Clark, general manager, Beaufort Engineering. And Andrew Mair, chief executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), added: “All aerospace companies in the East Midlands must raise their game in the face of increased global competition. Beaufort’s approach of using substantial investment to make a step-change in productivity and skills is an excellent example of a strategy to retain high value manufacturing work in the UK. With turnover in the aerospace sector globally set to double over the next 20 years, Beaufort is well placed to attract new work and retain skilled jobs. The MAA very much welcomes emda’s willingness to support such an investment.”