SUBCONTRACTING NEWS

Surface finishing specialist secures NADCAP accreditation

Surface Coating Ltd has been awarded NADCAP accreditation, the globally recognised quality benchmark for special processes used across the aerospace and defence industries.

The Weymouth-based company is now one of the only providers in the south of England with this accreditation for coating and finishing processes, strengthening the region’s capability to support high-specification aerospace and defence manufacturing.

NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program) is an industry-managed accreditation system that verifies whether specialist processes such as coating, painting and finishing meet the stringent standards required by major aerospace manufacturers and defence contractors worldwide.

Achieving the accreditation confirms that Surface Coating Ltd’s processes meet internationally recognised requirements for quality, traceability and repeatability – key requirements for companies operating within complex global supply chains. For manufacturers, it means they can access NADCAP-accredited coating and finishing services within the south of England, rather than relying on suppliers elsewhere in the UK.

The accreditation follows significant investment by Surface Coating Ltd in its technical capabilities, quality systems and staff training. The company provides specialist finishing services including: wet spray painting, integrated finishing, powder coating and blasting.

NADCAP accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard for special processes within the aerospace sector and requires companies to pass rigorous audits and maintain strict ongoing compliance.

Tom Williamson, director of Surface Coating Ltd, says: “Achieving NADCAP accreditation is a major milestone for our business and reflects the dedication of our team to operating at the highest standards required by the aerospace and defence sectors. The process is extremely rigorous, so gaining accreditation demonstrates that our systems, processes and quality controls meet the expectations of some of the world’s most demanding industries.”

More information www.surfacecoating.co.uk

Adi Group appointment

Engineering solutions specialist, Adi Group, has appointed Steve Appleton as group growth director. Appleton brings more than 25 years of experience in sales and business restructuring. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening collaboration across Adi Group’s specialist divisions to deliver more integrated engineering solutions for clients. Beginning his career at Ford Motor Company, Appleton’s experience includes roles across highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, petrochemical, government, education, transport and retail.

More information https://adiltd.co.uk/

Subcon: The manufacturing solutions show

Subcon, the UK’s leading event for subcontract manufacturing and supply chain solutions, is taking place this week (3-4 June) at the NEC in Birmingham. Whether exploring new manufacturing partners, looking for ways to streamline supply chains, or aiming to reduce costs, this is the place to connect and discover ideas that can make a real difference.

The show offers the opportunity to connect with 200+ leading UK and international suppliers, all in one place. Visitors can also: take part in ‘Skills Sprint’ workshops packed with practical tools ready for immediate application; gain fresh insights through CPD-accredited talks delivered by industry leaders from Airbus, Bentley Motors, Rolls-Royce, Make UK and more; and follow tailored visitor trails designed around key sectors.

More information www.subconshow.co.uk

Orders roll in for Star’s CNC sliding-head lathes

Star took several orders for sliding-head lathes on its stand at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Three orders, in particular, stood out.

Metal Assemblies Ltd, a tier-two manufacturer delivering precision-engineered metal pressings and assemblies, reinforced its machinery upgrade strategy with an order for two new SR-32JIII Type B sliding-head lathes. The investment replaces a pair of older SR models, each having delivered nearly 15 years of reliable service. The order was finalised between Iain Collis and Nigel Mason of Metal Assemblies and Star’s new Midlands area sales manager, Sam Ayres (pictured).

Featuring the latest Star technology – including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software – alongside enhancements in rigidity, swarf management and operator ergonomics, the new machines will support increased productivity, expanded capacity and greater operational efficiency.

Also placing an order at MACH was All British Precision, a subcontract supplier of precision machined components based in Derbyshire, which strengthened its long-term machinery investment strategy with the purchase of a new ST-38 sliding-head lathe. The order marks a significant milestone as it replaces the company’s very first ST-38 machine after 15 years of reliable service. Notably, the investment demonstrates All British Precision’s continued commitment to upgrading its production capabilities.

Hervé Engineering, a Southend-based manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for a wide range of industries and applications, was among further companies to place an order on the Star stand. The company is expanding its sliding-head production capacity with the order of a new SR-38 Type B. Complementing the company’s upcoming relocation to a larger facility, the latest investment will be the company’s highest capacity sliding-head lathe to date, increasing productivity and opening up new business opportunities.

More information https://stargb.com/

Middlesex Aerospace soars to new heights with Mazak

Middlesex Aerospace has made a significant investment in its multi-tasking machining capabilities following the installation of a Yamazaki Mazak INTEGREX i-250H.

Established in Middlesex in 1945 and now based in Hampshire, the organisation is a tier-one supplier of critical components and assemblies to aerospace OEMs all around the world. It employs more than 100 people and has established itself in the production of Class 1 safety-critical parts and assemblies used in landing gear, actuation systems and helicopter transmissions.

By investing in an INTEGREX i-250H multi-tasking turn-mill centre, Middlesex Aerospace aims to boost production capacity for its existing customers, both in the UK and overseas.

“With demand surging for complex, small components across the aerospace sector, we knew we had to enhance our capabilities in this area,” explains chief executive Laurence Foulds. “As this was our first new Mazak machine investment in six years, it was important we upgraded to a machine capable of meeting customer requirements. Considering we’ve worked with Mazak as our principal machinery partner for more than 25 years, it was only natural we chose the INTEGREX i-250H as the latest addition to our factory floor.”

The INTEGREX i-250H is the high-speed, high-torque option from Mazak’s flagship range. It features an eight-inch chuck and is equipped with a 5000 rpm, 22kW main spindle and 12,000 rpm milling spindle.

“Thanks to the precision of its multiple cutting processes, the INTEGREX i-250H will play a critical role in our high-mix, low-volume production of complex components for the aerospace industry,” adds Foulds. “We expect to follow this with further investments in larger Mazak machines over the coming years, as manufacturing demands within the sector continue to grow.”

More information www.mazak.com/uk-en