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Apprentices scheme flourishes at Mettis
September 2006

A Midlands aerospace company has bucked the trend and successfully revitalised its programme for apprentices.

Only three years ago, Mettis Aerospace Limited, of Redditch, was unable to attract a single apprentice.

But the company’s programme is now thriving and it has 17 apprentices in the commercial, technical and craft areas. Mettis employs a total of 500 personnel.

Karl Bishop, sales and marketing director at Mettis, said: “Three years ago we struggled to attract apprentices.

“But we believe our own efforts and the government programme of attracting youngsters into engineering has worked. We now have a 17-strong group of apprentices who are studying all elements of the Mettis business.

“We have recently take on nine new apprentices to bring our total to 17. They have come from a variety of schools and colleges and we have taken some from MG Rover.”

Mettis were rewarding their apprentices with a visit to the Farnborough International Airshow this week (July 17-23).

Said Mr Bishop: “They will be able to see at first hand Mettis products in use. They include a range of products we have manufactured and supplied for the giant Airbus A380.”

Mettis has made a number of high-precision components for the A380, including parts for the Rolls-Royce Trent 900s which are powering most of the aircraft currently undergoing trials.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Mettis Aerospace Ltd, which employs 550 at its Redditch headquarters, is an integrated provider of advanced forged and machined components to the aerospace industry.

It is also among the world’s largest suppliers of aluminium alloy forgings, supported by one of the largest teams of engineers dedicated to advanced metallurgical research, and is a leader in producing complex prismatic shapes.

Mettis serves the major aerospace OEMs – Airbus, Boeing, GE and Rolls Royce - and is extremely well positioned on the key growth programmes such as A380, GP7200, A400M and Joint Strike Fighter.

It also has a position on all the major programmes in its sector, including airframe programmes (Airbus A320, A340, A380; Boeing 747, 777); aero engine programmes (GE-90, GP7200, V2500, CF-34, Rolls Royce Trent family 500, 700, 800 and 900); industrial gas turbine programmes (GE Power Systems Frame 7EA, Frame 7FA).

In the military environment, the Joint Strike Fighter, A400M and Eurofighter are key growth drivers.  The company is also in a strong position on new programmes such as Boeing 787, Airbus A350 and Aero engines GEN-X and Trent 1000.
Mettis Aerospace Ltd  is a leader in Europe in the forging and machining of complex prismatic shapes.  It also boasts a number of niche market positions including:

• Global #1 in supply of aluminium outlet guide vanes in aero engine applications
• European #2 in supply of precision aerofoils to aero engine market
• Market leader in supply of precise to form industrial gas turbine aerofoils to GE
• Global #1 supplier of annulus fillers for aero engine applications

CONTACTS

For further information or pictures of any of the above aircraft or components contact Karl Bishop, sales and marketing director, on 01527 406400; 07850 129250; e-mail karl.bishop@mettis-aerospace.com; or visit www.mettis-aerospace.com