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
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.

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

Aerospace Defence Events

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

4 June 2026

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has announced the first of many aircraft and teams taking part in its 2026 flying display, which is set to be its largest and most diverse in decades.

Luton Airport unveils logistics hub

Aerospace

Luton Airport unveils logistics hub

4 June 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has unveiled a new consolidation centre that is housed in one of three previously empty hangars, formerly owned by Monarch Airlines and acquired by LLA in February 2024, which will create up to 30 new jobs for local people.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

3 June 2026

According to the latest data from ADS - the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries - commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for this month, in a decade.

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

Aerospace Security

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

3 June 2026

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner