Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Gardner Aerospace acquires FDM

Gardner Aerospace today announced the acquisition of FDM Digital Solutions Limited (FDM).

Above: (left to right) Graeme Bond, founder of FDM and Dominic Cartwright, CEO, Gardner Aerospace.
Courtesy Gardner Aerospace

Formed in 2012 by Graeme Bond, Burnley based FDM is at the forefront of 3D printing and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading polymer additive layer manufacturers.

Advertisement
ODU RT

FDM’s business model of customer collaboration and innovative design solutions, aligned with extensive manufacturing capability, has proven to be successful in the automotive, medical, motorsport, F1 and aerospace industries.

Going forward, the business will become part of the Gardner Technology Centre, a newly created business unit focused on advanced technology, innovative solutions and research and development.

Dominic Cartwright, Chief Executive Officer at Gardner Aerospace, said: “Gardner Aerospace is breaking new ground in terms of technology. The acquisition of FDM and the creation of our new Technology Centre business unit provides us with the perfect opportunity to expand our technical knowledge, R&D capability and product offering, and aligns us with our customers’ growing expectations on innovative solutions, continuous improvement and cost competitiveness. 

“The role of 3D printing within manufacturing is constantly expanding and this newly acquired additive layer manufacturing capability complements Gardner’s long-standing capabilities as a producer of metallic detailed parts and sub-assemblies.” 

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

BHW Solicitors provided legal advice to Gardner Aerospace through the acquisition process.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

Aerospace

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

7 January 2026

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Aerospace

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

7 January 2026

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its global aviation practice with the appointment of aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini as its Head of Aircraft Finance, Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore.

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

Aerospace

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

6 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration.

Advertisement
ODU RT
STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Aerospace

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

6 January 2026

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350.

Cranfield University

Aerospace

Cranfield University's NFLC secures Reach for the Sky funding

5 January 2026

Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) has been successful in a bid for funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a UK government led initiative aimed at encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB