New major player in composites

Citation

(2007), "New major player in composites", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779dab.026

New major player in composites

New major player in composites

A major new international player in advanced composite components for the aerospace industry has been created in the UK.

Express Composites Group Ltd has completed the acquisition of Racing Technologies Norfolk (RTN) from the Audi Group for an undisclosed sum. A new facility for the expanded group is under construction in Norfolk, UK near express' current site.

Express boasts an impressive roll call of high profile aerospace clients, including Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, EADS and Rolls Royce.

RTN is a leader in advanced composites design, engineering and rapid prototyping. It has an impressive track record in the motorsport sector, including the construction of the Le Mans winning Bentley in 2004.

The expanded group is one of only a few suppliers in Europe that can offer a complete suite of services, from design and consultancy to low and medium volume engineering and manufacturing of composite components.

Building on its strong track record in the automotive, motorsport and aerospace sectors, express is planning to launch a business development strategy to acquire new clients in other industry sectors including defence, marine and telecommunications.

The newly-created group employs more than 150 staff at its current sites in Norfolk, UK and expects sales of £10 million in the current year.

Trevor Cox, Managing Director, Express Composites Group, said: “These are exciting times for us with a brand new, state-of-the art facility under construction to service our European customers and the expansion of our capabilities with the acquisition of RTN.”

“The addition of this internationally renowned team to the Group accelerates the strategy to position ourselves as a leading full service provider of advanced composites technologies, engineering and manufacturing solutions to clients around the world.”

David Coates, Managing Director, RTN, said: “Joining forces with Express Composites Group is a dream come true for us. The opportunity to combine our design, engineering and prototyping expertise in carbon fibre and other composites with leading edge volume production will provide our customers and new clients with a world-class service.”

Details available from: Express Composites Group Ltd, web site: www.ex-pressplastics.co.uk