RSSBack

9 January 2014

Hutchinson Aerotech Launched

SJC Hutchinson Engineering has committed to an investment of £3.6 million in new technology and R&D in a bid to tap into the multi billion dollar global aerospace industry.

The company has launched its specialist division, Hutchinson AeroTech with the aim of becoming a leader in the machining and supply of stainless steel and titanium processing for the aerospace sector. 27 new jobs will be created as a result, 14 will be based in Kilrea and the remaining 13 at Hutchinson’s new premises in Antrim.

Opening the company’s new 10,000sq ft purpose-built site in Antrim, Invest NI’s Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton, said: “Aerospace accounts for around 14 per cent of manufactured exports from Northern Ireland and it is great to see Hutchinson AeroTech build on their strong engineering experience to diversify into this lucrative sector.

“This long established company has worked with Invest NI to identify and target opportunities in niche markets. Through this investment, Hutchinson is poised to become a key supplier of sophisticated and high value parts for the international aerospace industry.”

Hutchinson AeroTech is currently working with a number of academic institutes and aerospace companies to research the effects of processing aerospace materials using a laser.

Mark Hutchinson, Managing Director, Hutchinson Aerotech said: “We’ve already invested £1.5 million in the latest cutting edge technologies and R&D to ensure that we can service the needs of this highly specialised sector.

“Building on over 40 years experience working with clients who demand precision and accuracy will help us meet the stringent needs of the aerospace sector. Our investment in researching the effects of laser cutting on aerospace materials should differentiate us from our competitors and allow us to offer customers higher quality components for precision applications.”

Dr. Leslie Orr, Manager, ADS NI said, “Hutchinson AeroTech is a welcome addition to the aerospace sector in Northern Ireland. The sector directly employs over 8,000 people, generates annual revenues of close to £1billion and contributes greatly to our exports.

“It is great that companies like Hutchinson AeroTech are using their extensive expertise in manufacturing to offer this sector machining and fabrication services.. ADS NI wish them well for the future.”

Formed in 1971, SJC Hutchinson Engineering was recently named the UK Manufacturing Technologies Association’s Most Dynamic Subcontractor with Mark Hutchinson also being named as IoD Northern Ireland’s Family Business Director of the Year. Its new bespoke site has cutting-edge laser cutting machines including one of only three customised Trumpf Trumatic 6000 in the world and is the only one in the UK.


Back to top