REDDITCH—Mettis Aerospace has reported that its production development program is close to completion at its new factory in Redditch. The production site was built in response to a number of recently awarded multi-million-pound aerospace contracts.

The program began in August, following the completion of the building, and is focused on maturing the products and processes required by the company’s customers using its six new state-of-the-art machines, fully automated production systems and error-proofed assembly operations.

The aim has been to get these right and remove variability so Mettis will deliver consistently for customers when the factory opens.

“With such a complex and demanding development program schedule, it’s great that we have on board many technical experts from across our business coupled with the experience of our equipment partners, including Heller Machine Tools and Seco Tools,” says Mark Hamilton, director of engineering.

“Diverse knowledge, skills and commitment are the reason the program is proving successful. There have been challenges along the way, which we anticipated given the ambitious technical scope but, thanks to our great team, innovative solutions are always delivered.”

Customer approvals have now been granted for the new factory’s special processes, enabling increased speed delivering components, minimize in-production transportation and reduce costs.

The final stages of the program are being completed and Mettis is on track to enter production in early 2020.