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
ODU RT

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
General Atomics LB
FAC and Defence Connect link up

Aerospace

FAC and Defence Connect link up

5 June 2026

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Defence Connect have announced a partnership which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators in Westminster to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in defence.

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 10080 XCT achieves TSA ACSTL Qualified status

5 June 2026

Smiths Detection's Explosives Detection System (EDS) HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo has progressed from the 'Approved' section to the 'Qualified' section of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

Aerospace Events

Aerobility honoured with Kings Award for Voluntary Service during Volunteers’ Week

5 June 2026

On 1st June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 EP achieves efficiency milestone

4 June 2026

Rolls-Royce has reached a major milestone for its Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine, which has delivered almost double the baseline of anticipated fuel savings during its first year in service.

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation

4 June 2026

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero. This achievement follows three consecutive years of maintaining Level 3 status.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner