2023 has been a very positive year for Middlesex Aerospace. Not only have we seen orders move back towards pre-COVID levels, but the backlog in plane deliveries has seen a ramp up in some production areas.
The ongoing investment in new machinery, combined with the hard work put in by everyone here to be ready for the markets to recover is paying off. Not only have we won new high-value business but we have been attracting attention from major figures across the aerospace sector. Throughout 2023 we have seen new orders come in. So we are highly pleased that the future orderbook and forecast look very promising indeed.
Industry Overview
The rebounding aerospace market has seen positive developments for our work. With customers increasing production rates we will be increasingly busy to hep manufacturing partners meet their targets.
Accreditation renewals
Our industry depends on working hard to continuously reach every higher standards. To help us maintain our position as a leading precision engineering partner we have renewed BSI & Cyber Essential Plus Approvals. These allow us to be compliant with a number of key defence and aerospace contracts.
NADCAP Audit
Following an intensive inspection process, Performance Review Institute informed us that Middlesex Aerospace has achieved Nadcap® accreditation for Non-Destructive Testing. Furthermore, our recent audit has earned the company an additional 2 credits, meaning the certification remains in place until 2025.
To reach this standard is highly challenging; indeed, many members of the aerospace supply chain do not reach this level.
Events
One of the highlights of a very busy events calendar was the Paris Air Show. This globally renowned show returned for its 54th outing on the 19th June for 7 days’ at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions in France.
As the largest air show and exhibition in the world, the biennial Paris Air Show attracted nearly 140,000 visitors to see 2,453 exhibitors from 49 countries. Not forgetting of course the sight of 140 aircraft on display.
We met with many of our close supply chain partners to discuss projects with industry attendees and exhibitors
DSEI
We joined security supply chain partners at DSEI 2023 at EXCEL from 12th – 15th September for the biggest edition of the show to date – and the most successful event we have attended in 20 years.
DSEI welcomed over 1,000 specialist suppliers this year in an exhibition that showcased some of the latest thinking in defence and security.
While at DSEI Middlesex Aerospace met several key partners and discussed the challenges they face with securing precision engineering services. This was a great opportunity for us to showcase the class-leading work we deliver that helps manufacturers achieve the highest quality standards.
MAKE UK Defence Conference
Birmingham was the venue for the latest Make UK Defence Conference. We met with key contacts from over 12 Tier-1 companies as well as hearing from another 8 organisations within the defence sector.
Bringing new talent to precision engineering
2023 has seen us continue the longstanding partnership with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT). Through course sponsorship, providing work experience and apprentice placements we are committed to working with BCoT to develop talent within young people.
Middlesex Aerospace and the local community
As part of our commitment to local grassroots sports, Middlesex Aerospace is proud to be the sponsors of the Winklebury Wizards U-10 side. This year we were delighted to see the team win their league, which is a great result for them. Winklebury Wizards is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who help children stay fit and healthy, and develop vital social skills and friendships.
