AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
UPDATE
January 2017
McIlvaine Company
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Antwerp
Space Opens Cleanroom for New ESA projects
Norco
Opens New Temperature Controlled Room
The Belgium company makes
satellite equipment and components for international space projects.
Antwerp Space – a subsidiary of
Europe’s third largest aerospace group, the Germany-based OHB – has officially
opened its new cleanroom, in the presence of Belgian State Secretary for Science
Policy Elke Sleurs and Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever.
Antwerp Space’s new cleanroom in
Hoboken (with a ground surface of 1,078 sq. ft. (100m˛) and a height of 3m) is
designated ISO Class 8.
It will offer a protected
environment in which the level of dust particles, the temperature (around 22°)
and the relative humidity (about 55%) are strictly managed, to avoid corrosion
or electrical breakdowns.
Starting November 2016, Antwerp
Space will be using its new cleanroom for the production and integration of
components for key prestigious space programs for the European Space Agency
(ESA).
'The inauguration of this
cleanroom means a milestone in the history of Antwerp Space. Our facilities are
now meeting all standards to integrate and test all kinds of satellite
subsystems and components. This investment allows us to continue our ambitious
plans for the future,' said Oliver Salisch, MD of Antwerp Space.
'The investment made by Antwerp
Space for this new cleanroom is a tangible sign of the company's ambition for
future space programs. I look forward to the role Antwerp Space will play in
current and future key ESA missions', said the Secretary of State Elke Sleurs.
Bart De Wever, said: 'As mayor of
the city of Antwerp, I take great pride in knowing that a local company is
providing its expertise and know-how for European missions to Mars and Jupiter.
Hopefully someday people will associate our city not only with its port and the
diamond trade, but also with its role in space exploration.'
Antwerp Space develops systems and
satellite equipment, satellite ground control stations for the reception of data
from observation satellites and for the control of spacecrafts, as well as test
systems used during the integration of satellites.
The controlled environment opens up new opportunities for
product manufacture in the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors
Norco's new room will help reduce the risk of contamination
and improve the production process for smaller autoclave pre-preg components.
Norco, a privately owned business based in Poole, Dorset,
which makes specialized GRP/Composite moldings, has finished installing a new
temperature controlled room at its Aerospace facility.
The new facility within Unit 33, opens up new opportunities
for product manufacture in the aerospace, medical and automotive sectors.
The room will allow the company to create a temperature
controlled environment, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and
improving the production process for smaller autoclave pre-preg components.
The investment follows the acquisition of C&B Composites
earlier in the year, when they installed an Autoclave to complement our existing
out-of-Autoclave facilities.
“Installation of the new room comes at the end of a very
successful 2016 for us, which has seen the company experience strong growth in
both its Composites and GRP business areas.
Other investment in the site at Poole includes revamping the
Aerospace manufacturing unit and installing a new spray booth and revised CNC
machining and cutting workshop into two new units.
We have also seen growth in our personnel, with key new
positions including an additional Quality Control Inspector, a Business
Development Manager, a Composites Design Engineer and dedicated Aerospace and
GRP project managers.
The company has also recruited four graduate engineers who
will join the team in early 2017, in line with our longer term strategy of
investing in skilled people to develop the business.
Mark Northey is delighted with the growth of the company, and
is optimistic for the new year and the opportunities for Norco: “2016 has been a
strong year for us. Having consolidated the business into two more distinct
business units – Norco Composites and Norco GRP – the further investments we
have made in equipment, facilities and personnel have all strengthened our
capability to produce a wide range of high quality components. We are preparing
for a busy start to 2017 and look forward to continuing the growth of Norco in
the future.”
"During the year Norco has maintained its market leading
position within the marine sector, producing GRP hulls and decks for super yacht
manufacturers. In addition, we have increased our specialist composite work in
the aerospace and defense communications sectors producing tools and components
for satellite, radome, automotive and aerospace manufacturers."
McIlvaine Company
Northfield, IL 60093-2743
Tel:
847-784-0012; Fax:
847-784-0061
E-mail:
editor@mcilvainecompany.com
Web site:
www.mcilvainecompany.com