Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

SiG helps drive growth of SWMF

South West Metal Finishing (SWMF) announced today that its sales had increased by 15% in 2016 and that it was on track to grow by 57% to £11 million by 2020, thanks in part to support from the Sharing in Growth (SiG) scheme.


Courtesy SWMF / iStock
 
Exeter-based SWMF, which was the first surface treatment company to be part of SiG, values the scheme as a £1.2 million investment in skills and training.
 
The purpose of the SIG scheme is to protect 10,000 jobs within the UK aerospace market. Over 60 companies are involved.

Advertisement
ODU RT

SWMF has capability across all surface treatments, including; electroplating, electroless plating, anodising, conversion coatings, paint and non-destructive testing. It can work with any metal and has developed specific expertise in: nickel, zinc, copper, cadmium, silver, chromium, alloy, anodising, phosphate and aluminium conversion coatings.


Courtesy SWMF / iStock
 
The company holds a wide range of approvals working with major companies including Airbus, Leonardo, Eaton Aerospace, Honeywell and Rolls Royce.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

All four of SWMF sites are AS9100 and NADCAP accredited and it operates a collection and delivery service throughout the UK and Europe.

Jackie Jacobs from South West Metal Finishing said: “The start to 2017 has been fantastic for the company, with growth across all areas and, thanks partly to Sharing in Growth, a rapidly developing workforce whose skills are increasing every day.

“We are looking forward to continuing this progression and achieve our target of £11million sales by 2020. These are very exciting times for our industry.”

SWMF is an industry leading supplier of unrivalled quality and performance in surface finishing, serving aerospace, defence, oil & gas, power generation & nuclear, medical, automotive and marine.
 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
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
PTC rectangle
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
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB