Aerospace

What we know

Situated near the Rolls-Royce plant in Derby, Acres relationship began in the 1970’s. The relationship has enabled Acres to grow in both understanding of the industry and the wide variety of support products needed to produce finished aero engines. By their nature, aero engines require a high level of safety; and the adherence to policies and procedures is paramount to deliver world class products. The UK aerospace sector is the second largest in Europe, and third largest globally. Capable of delivering whole-aircraft capability, the UK has expertise in aerostructures, propulsion, systems, aircraft interiors and through-life services.

What we understand

Acres lean engineering experience fits well within the aerospace environment, focusing on value-add and continual improvement. We understand the speed in which the industry moves and some of the key drivers like safety, efficiency, quality and FOD (foreign object debris) control. The products Acres deliver are in use across the UK’s leading aerospace manufacturing companies, improving productivity and safety of production processes, enabling them to achieve the best possible outcomes. This is further consolidated on a global basis through networking events and memberships with for example the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.

What We’ve done

Acres’ offering to the aerospace industry aims to take time out of manufacturing processes and prevent parts from becoming damaged or lost. This can be anything from kitting media to delivering the exact number of components from a logistics sequencing centre to a production build line; all the way to semi-automated product for carrying out specific operations, which are provided with a certificate of conformance (commonly referred to as a CE certificate). We specialise in the design and fabrication of equipment that is used in the manufacturing process, such as stillages, trolleys, access platforms, workbenches

Our DNA

A ‘lean engineering’ attitude is part of Acres DNA along with flexibility, compliance and investment in people and equipment.

Flexibility of Engagement

• CAD Design only. See more information on our design capability here.
• Total solution, Design, manufacture delivery and regular inspection.
• Manufacture to customer drawings
• Sub contract services such as fabrication, laser cutting, tube manipulation, powder-coat paint finish, electro-mechanical assembly, and installation services.

Compliance and Investment

• Acres are committed to providing a quality product to ISO 9001 by compliant staff (see our certificate here).
• All design is produced using Solidworks 3-D CAD.
• All welders are qualified and undergo periodic third party examining and hold ‘coding’ certificates.
• Continuous investing program in new manufacturing equipment, allowing for continual improvement. Keeping solutions as simple as possible, but designing in clever, sophisticated way to maintain functionality and reduce costs.
• A commitment to invest, develop and maintain high integrity IT systems to effectively manage all aspects of the business and protect all data handled by the company.

How to engage? 

If you would like to see how Acres can benefit your business, and would like to take advantage of a free of charge improvement audit carried out by one of our consultants, then please get in touch via this email address Sales@Acres.Engineering

Q&A with Chris Summers, Director at Chromalloy UK

• Tell us about yourself- Who is Chris? When you aren’t working, what do you like to do to relax?

I am a real family man, I love spending time with my family and my grandchildren. I have 3 grown up children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. When not with them me and my wife and me love to travel in our new motor home. So far we haven’t done many miles but it is amazing.

• What has been your biggest achievement that you are proud of?

My biggest achievement is my children, my girls are all brilliant. One is a GP, studied at Cambridge, 1 is a hairdresser and beautician and my youngest is a teacher. Marrying my wife must come close though…better say that!

• When was your first introduction to the Aerospace industry and why did you choose to work in the Aerospace industry? What drew you towards it?

I worked at Toyota and loved the culture and the work ethic there and when I had an opportunity to further my career I really believed that I could take the Toyota principles and apply them to aerospace to make a real difference.

• Why the quality of equipment used in the Aerospace is so important?

The quality of the product cannot be more important in any other Manufacturing process  than that of aerospace. When you are making parts for an engine that keep you 30,000 feet in the air, there cannot be any compromise in quality or compliance.

• What are you most passionate about Aerospace?

I love the fact that I have been part of a huge operation to create something that can transport so many people all over the world. I get excited about new materials, new processes and new engineering challenges and would like to think that I have been an integral part of this.

• What do you see as the immediate priorities for the industry are there any challenges that the Aerospace industry faces?

Well yes, the industry is facing the biggest challenge it had ever seen. Covid-19 had affected air travel more than 9 -11 and we are seeing the impact of this already.  The effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time and it is now the responsibility of the industry to reignite consumer confidence and for manufacturers and champions like me to spread the word.