AFD Systems expands its workforce

Above: (left to right) Keda Clark, Tomas Halliwell, Jerrod Hartley and Joanna Tolnai.
Courtesy AFD Systems

Joanna Tolnai joins the company as structures engineer after gaining experience in design engineering roles in both Poland and Canada at global aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, focused primarily on stress analysis. Originally from Poland, she has a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Space Technology from Rzeszow University of Technology.

Her appointment comes after three years with exhaust system and valve rotator developer and manufacturer, Helical Technology, based in Lytham St Annes. Joanna was a mechanical design engineer in the company’s rotator division.

Tomas Halliwell has joined the company as an apprentice design engineer, after completing a BTEC in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Keda Clark has also been appointed as business support administrator, following three years’ experience working in an administrative role at a large Lancashire-based waste processing plant.

AFD Systems, headquartered at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, helps global customers in aerospace, defence, nuclear, rail, maritime and other sectors solve complex engineering challenges. It employs an expert team with capabilities including airframe engineering, cabin interior engineering, additive manufacturing, innovative tooling and other areas.

The Lancashire based company has seen consistent growth since launching in 2009 and its customers include BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus and Boeing. It recently rebranded to AFD Systems from Airframe Designs, reflecting its evolution from a niche airframe design consultancy into a leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business.

Jerrod Harley, CEO, AFD Systems said: “The growth we have experienced over the past 15 years has been driven by the expertise of our people, helping our customers solve complex challenges through engineering and collaboration.

“As we continue our expansion into new sectors, services and global geographies, we must invest in both our present and future expertise. Joanna is an experienced structures engineer who will help us to push boundaries and deliver the best possible service to clients, while Tomas has the capability to learn and grow with AFD Systems, representing an investment in the future of our workforce.

“We currently employ over 30 professionals across the company supporting more customers than ever before. Our evolution means we must also develop the operational side of our business and Keda is an experienced business administrator who will help us futureproof our systems and processes as we continue to expand over the coming years.”

Keda will play a key role at AFD Systems in supporting the management of the company’s finances, including payroll and accounts, in addition to overseeing HR responsibilities and other operational duties.

Working within the structures team, Joanna’s role will involve analysing airframe structures, cabin interiors and mechanical systems using Finite Element Analysis, simulation tools and advanced aerospace analytical methods.

She said: “The way that AFD Systems works with its clients to solve unique challenges aligns well with my own technical expertise and knowledge and I’m excited to be part of an innovative, growing company which will give me the opportunity to further develop my knowledge.

“It’s clear that there’s a culture of coaching, mentoring and a shared approach right across the business, allowing the whole team to learn from each other. This will not only help me, but also allow me to use my own experience to benefit others so we can deliver the very best service possible.”

Alongside supporting the design team at AFD Systems, Tomas has begun studying for a Manufacturing Engineering degree at Blackpool and The Fylde College, which the company is funding.