ASG King & Fowler, a manufacturing business which can trace its roots back to 1887, has made a £1.35m investment in an advanced metal treatment line for the aerospace industry.
The state-of-the-art Tartaric Sulphuric Anodising (TSA) line anticipates REACH regulatory changes that aim to ban the use of hexavalent chrome in aerospace applications.
The new TSA line, which is currently being manufactured and commissioned by Jacquet Weston Engineering, is set to revolutionise ASG King & Fowler's production processes. This fully automated line promises increased productivity and throughput advantages, all while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
Managing Director Gareth Richards said: "At ASG King & Fowler, we are dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding industry expectations. This substantial investment in our new TSA line underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility, as well as our focus on enhancing productivity and efficiency. We are proud to embrace this change and remain a leading force in the aerospace manufacturing industry."
The new TSA line is expected to be installed in approximately 14 weeks, significantly enhancing ASG King & Fowler's manufacturing capabilities. With this addition, the company will have greater capacity, improved efficiency, and the ability to allocate skilled labour to other critical tasks. It will enhance its competitive edge, secure existing roles and is likely to create new jobs in the future.
ASG King & Fowler was acquired by ASG Group in 2020 and has also invested £140,000 in a new passivation line, driven by customer requirements at Airbus. This Group says this investment demonstrates its proactive approach to staying ahead of regulatory changes and customer demands. The new trivalent passivation process will enhance the company's offerings and its ability to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry.
Nick Weston, Managing Director of Jacquet Weston Engineering said: "We are thrilled to be part of ASG King & Fowler's journey towards innovation and sustainability. Our strong relationship with Gareth Richards and the entire ASG Group has been instrumental in making this project a reality. We look forward to delivering a cutting-edge TSA line that will elevate ASG King & Fowler's manufacturing capabilities."
The company believes that with these strategic investments it is poised to not only maintain its historical legacy but also to compete effectively with larger organisations in the aerospace manufacturing sector.