Devon-based Rockwood Composites Ltd (www.rockwoodcomposites.com), which specialises in the manufacture of components and structures using advanced composite materials, has increased its manufacturing capacity by 50% (mostly for large aircraft components), following an investment in a third large press from Alderman Tooling in Plymouth.

It can now produce more components up to 2m x 1m, including aircraft interior-door panels.

The presses, including this third large machine and four smaller ones, use pressure and heat to cure composite material to make complex components incorporating multiple elements and complex geometries.

Managing director Mark Crouchen said: “The composites industry — especially in the aerospace sector — is experiencing rapid growth, and we are seeing more enquiries and more orders.”