Boeing contract sealed for Sheffield technology specialists

A mechanical engineering specialist is celebrating a record-breaking year after securing a landmark contract with Boeing.

MetLase, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Unipart, has been announced as the tooling and fixture partner for the world’s largest aerospace manufacturer’s new Sheffield-based facility in a deal that will initially increase the workforce by 15 per cent.

The company will use its 3D design capabilities, laser-cutting technology and patented assembly and joining systems to create lightweight and optimised machining fixtures that will hold 11 different castings used in the production of actuation system components for the 737, 767 and 777 passenger jets.

MetLase specialise in the manufacture of world class tooling, intelligent fixturing and components, bringing lead times of months down to hours or days.

This contract with Boeing is the latest in a line of new business wins that include strategic partnerships with blue chip companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and energy - marking a 70 per cent annual increase in sales for the Sheffield-based firm.

Steve Dunn, MetLase’s managing director, said: “The long-term agreement with Boeing marks a new chapter for our business, as it will enable us to become an integral part of its future plans to develop intelligent and connected fixturing and tooling solutions.

“Our unique approach and technology will see us produce optimised fixtures that are lighter than traditional alternatives, can be produced in weeks as opposed to months and, importantly, through our design iteration service, can be continually improved to deliver the best possible performance.”

He went on to add: “This contract is an ideal way to celebrate our third birthday and is also excellent news for the region, with two other local companies - Maher Ltd and Nikken - also being awarded contracts.

“Strategic supply chain relationships are very important to Boeing and, from the outset, we have been working closely with other suppliers to build partnerships and explore ways where we can harness our collective expertise to offer new solutions.”

MetLase, which employs 25 people at its 12,500 sq ft state-of the-art facility at the AMP Technology Centre, is due to start delivering the first fixtures this week as part of a three- year contract.

Richard Gould, sales manager at MetLase, said: “Our standardised design and development process and unique joining and assembly techniques mean we only use the exact amount of material needed, ensuring we can deliver fixtures quicker and more cost effectively than our rivals.

“This is the first stage of what Boeing wanted. The next phase is to develop intelligent fixtures that provide real time data on performance and will either alert engineers if an issue arises or correct it automatically.”