Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Element completes acquisition of MTC

Element has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Metals Testing Company (MTC), significantly strengthening the Group’s aerospace non-destructive testing platform.



Above: The Element  laboratory in Rancho Dominguez.

Located in Connecticut, United States, MTC is a Nadcap accredited special processor, providing a complete range of NDT testing services and related chemical processing, with a unique niche service focused on titanium critical rotating parts. Inspection services include immersion ultrasonic testing, fluorescent penetrant inspection and magnetic particle inspection. Chemical processing includes blue etch anodize, chemical etch, anodic etch, nital etch, swab etch, pre-pen etch, grain flow detection etch, and chem milling.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Rick Sluiters, EVP, Aerospace, commented: "We are delighted to officially welcome MTC to the Element Group. In the past few years, we have invested heavily in expanding our NDT platform in order to meet the strong-ramp up in production, especially for the LEAP and PW1000 engines, which the aerospace industry is experiencing.

"We are global leaders in providing our clients with the latest state-of–the-art testing and inspection services including high-demand services such as digital x-ray, immersion ultrasonic and etching services. With laboratories in Rancho Dominguez, California; Portland, Oregon; Houston, Texas; Hartford, Connecticut; Monterrey, Mexico; and Sheffield, UK, we are constantly investing in increasing our capacity, capabilities, technical expertise and geographic reach, enabling us to provide a local service on an international basis, improve efficiencies, and deliver cost savings for our clients."

Element is the number one provider of aerospace testing services in the world, with 44 laboratories located in the Americas and Europe, including in the UK (formerly Exova), that provide a comprehensive range of materials testing, product qualification testing and calibration services for the industry.

Advertisement
ODU RT

With 30 Nadcap accredited laboratories, the highest of any independent materials testing company in the world, services include metallographic evaluations; fatigue and fracture toughness testing; creep and stress rupture testing; non-destructive testing; EMI/EMC testing; and hydraulics and pneumatics.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

Aerospace

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

11 February 2026

Aircraft interiors specialist, ACS UK, has secured two significant new contracts with tier-one global airlines, covering the design and manufacture of bespoke, customised monuments for widebody aircraft.

International Group launches IADA

Aerospace

International Group launches IADA

11 February 2026

The International Group announced yesterday that it has launched an aerospace and defence division - International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) - a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes.

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

Aerospace

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

10 February 2026

Telford based Bruderer UK and Brandauer are marking 60 years of precision production with a £700,000 investment.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
AFD Systems expands its workforce

Aerospace

AFD Systems expands its workforce

10 February 2026

Advanced engineering and manufacturing specialist, AFD Systems, has invested in its continued growth with the recruitment of three new employees.

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

Aerospace

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

9 February 2026

EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350 900 on order, becoming the launch operator for the type in North Africa.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB