Manufacturer launches new defence division

A Sheffield-headquartered manufacturing group has launched a specialist aerospace and defence division aimed at strengthening critical supply chains amid rising global military spending.

The International Group has unveiled International Aerospace & Defence Alloys, a dedicated business focused on supplying high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes. 

The move separates the group’s defence and aerospace capabilities from its energy products arm, creating a distinct commercial interface tailored to the requirements of primes, Tier 1 contractors and specialist suppliers.

Bosses say the new division will draw on the group’s integrated manufacturing base in Sheffield, bringing together stockholding, forging and heat treatment, precision engineering, additive manufacturing and advanced non-destructive testing under one structure to reduce delays, shorten qualification cycles and provide fully traceable documentation from raw material to release.

They add the division is open to enquiries ahead of a formal year-end launch, with a dedicated team in place to manage approvals and onboarding.

Emma Parkinson, founder and chief executive of the International Group, said: “Our customers in aerospace and defence can’t afford friction. 

“When schedules are tight and documentation matters, material availability and quality have to be guaranteed - not hoped for. 

“By standing up a focused commercial organisation in IADA and connecting it directly to our integrated manufacturing and testing capability in Sheffield, we give procurement leaders a single, accountable partner who can move quickly, meet the standard first time and keep total programme costs under control.”

The launch comes as defence investment increases globally and material supply chains remain under pressure. 

According to United Nations’ figures, military spending as a share of global GDP has risen since 2022, with more than 100 countries increasing defence budgets in 2024.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →