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
PTC rectangle

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

 

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
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner