Advanced Engineering is a key part of the South West ‘Build Back Better’ Plan HOTSW-Build Back Better. Devon is renowned for its advanced engineering and aerospace, with years of success and growth having produced a strong, established industry cluster, with an extensive supply chain including: advanced materials, metallic and measurement, autonomous systems, components and systems, electronics and photonics, life-cycle support, manufacturing, precision engineering, rotorcraft and space technology. Companies include:
- Alcoa — The Element of Possibility – Leading global Aluminium supplier
- Eaton Aerospace – Global power management and technology
- Gooch & Housego – Fibre optics components
- Goodridge – Global performance fluid transfer systems
- Heathcoat Fabrics – High-performance technical textiles
- Helitune – Rotary track and balance, analysis, and monitoring systems
- MB Aerospace – Global aero-engineered component manufacture and repair
- Parker Hannifin – Global aerospace systems and technologies
- Spirent – Communications technology solutions
- TT Electronics – Global technology, engineering and manufacturing
- UTC Aerospace Systems – engineering and manufacturing aviation, marine and space components
Devon has many initiatives and support to promote the growth of this sector:
- The University of Exeter supports the industry through:
- The University of Plymouth supports the industry through specialist support:
- the Electron Microscopy Centre and
- leading research and development through The Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre.
- Regional collaboration
- Innovation Aerospace (iAero) – a partnership of aerospace stakeholders, supported by leading companies including Airbus, GE Aviation, GKN Aerospace, Leonardo Helicopters and Rolls-Royce, working with universities, public sector and regional trade association the West of England Aerospace Forum. The partnership ensures that SMEs and the wider supply chain have access to future industry technology and skills requirements.
