Precision engineering firm stretches its wings at Farnborough
Merc Engineering UK Ltd will be showcasing its recent successes on the NWAA (North West Aerospace Alliance) pavilion at Farnborough. Merc has embarked on a major investment programme to continue expansion into the aerospace market, including the acquisition of fellow NWAA member Bright Spark Engineering.
Bright Spark is experienced in 5-axis horizontal machining and believes its position as a supplier to the Aerospace sector is due to its investment in technology as well as the flexibility and technical know-how of its people. The company is approved to AS9100 aerospace standard, and they have been responsible for producing components for aerospace and aircraft interior devices including military seating, commercial seating, and bed seats for Virgin’s first class cabins. Merc is currently seeking AS9100 approval to secure further aerospace contracts for flying parts.
Managing Director Les Nuttall said: 'With Bright Spark on board, and with AS9100, I know we can make this market a big success for us. Aircraft manufacturers require suppliers that they can rely on at any time, who can produce the high quality of parts required for such a critical industry.'
Merc itself has manufactured parts for Rolls Royce for over 15 years and focuses on the military side of the market, having been involved in the prototyping and development of the ASRAAM missile and the 1000lb Bomb for Royal Ordnance.
In addition to the purchase of Bright Spark, Merc has recently invested in 6 new CNC machines and is finalising the acquisition of a second Doosan Puma MX2000 ST 13-axis Mill-Turn Centre, which offers the capability to produce complex parts in one hit.
With tougher competition from Eastern Europe and South-East Asia, Nuttall believes that investments in state-of-the-art machinery and highly skilled people will provide the necessary drive to push the company in the precision market.
The combination of the EDM capabilities at Merc Engineering with the horizontal machining centres at Bright Spark has boosted the group’s performance and productivity for a range of Aerospace components.
Merc can be found at Farnborough on stand D14, Hall 1.
