Global high-precision components manufacturer invests $Ms to support supply chain demands
As the commercial aircraft market bounces back, leading manufacturer of high-precision alloy engineering components, Doncasters, have announced investments totalling $12.9m in Doncasters Castings of Groton and Doncasters Precision Castings – Deritend.
With post-covid orders from commercial airlines higher than predicted, Doncasters is doubling the capacity of their US operations in Connecticut, and more than doubling production in the shell lines at their UK site in Droitwich. This closely follows the announcement of Doncasters’ acquisition of Uni-Pol, which increased its annual revenue to over $500M.
This is particularly good news for an industry still undergoing challenges, as evidenced by Boeing and Airbus in their recent financial reports.
Mike Quinn, CEO of Doncasters, says: “When CEOs such as Dave Calhoun and Guillaume Faury repeatedly talk of supply chain stresses and a lack of stability, we listen and we act. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver, and these significant investments at two of our fourteen global manufacturing sites will help to alleviate some of the stresses facing our customers.
“All signs show that the aviation industry is recovering, with many predicting the industry to be back to 2019 numbers by mid-2023. One of the headwinds that is delaying recovery is a lack of stability in component delivery. At Doncasters we are making sure we meet this demand, offering predictable and consistent service to OEMs.”
With these investments, Doncasters, established in 1778, will be building on its recent successes in the aerospace sector, as well as their IGT and Automotive operations. The two new robot shell lines at Doncasters Precision Castings – Deritend will be delivered by early 2023, more than doubling outputs and efficiencies.
The significant investment at Doncasters Castings of Groton, will involve building an extension to their current manufacturing facility to house three robot shell coating cells, and two final drying systems. The line will commence production in 2023, ramping up to full operating capacity in 2025.
Doncasters are working with VA Technology to deliver the two upgrades.
For more information on how these investments align with Doncasters’ vision to be a global leader in turning metals into motion, visit https://www.doncasters.com/about-doncasters/overview/.
About Doncasters: Doncasters is a leading international manufacturer of high-precision, engineering components, designed to operate in the most demanding of conditions. Through our advanced manufacturing facilities across Europe and the US, we serve the world’s leading OEMs in the aerospace, industrial gas turbine and specialist automotive markets.
We excel in turning metals into motion, working in alloys, and manufacturing complex designs to offer a superior and unparalleled range of solutions for high performance and specialist applications.
About VA Technology: VA Technology is known worldwide for its innovative, technologically advanced shell room systems and equipment. With extensive experience in the design, manufacture, installation, and service of complete shell manufacturing systems throughout the investment casting industry, we pride ourselves in our bespoke solutions and ongoing support, tailored to meet our customer’s needs.
Engineering design is at the very heart of our mission. With a relentless commitment to excellence in mechanical, electrical, control, software, and systems design, VA Technology has delivered a vast range of systems and technologies, helping to transform ceramic mould manufacturing from art-form to industrialised process.