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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

Aerospace

Acron Aviation signs A320 pilot training contract with Royal Brunei Airlines

6 February 2026

Acron Aviation have signed a new multiyear contract with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to provide Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS) training at its Bangkok Training Centre (BTC), further strengthening Acron Aviation’s position as a leading global provider of pilot training solutions.

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon introduces Hyperscan

6 February 2026

Hexagon has introduced Hyperscan, a portable and robust 3D scanning solution designed to deliver outstanding performance in complex industrial environments.

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

Aerospace Defence

Westwire opens new Swindon facility

6 February 2026

Westwire Harnessing has opened its second UK manufacturing facility in Swindon.

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems launches Launchpad incubator

6 February 2026

BAE Systems has launched Launchpad, a new technology incubator programme designed to take dual-use technologies beyond the defence sector and help cutting-edge innovations reach their full commercial potential.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport aims to secure direct connection to New York

6 February 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has announced a targeted, financial support package on offer to airlines that looks to attract direct connectivity between BHX and New York, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to the growth of long haul into global markets.

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ITSA sees UK connector sales rise in 2025

5 February 2026

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has revealed its members reported sales in 2025 were up by 5% over 2024 but that orders and business to business sales, were flat.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB