Blackpool-based
Airframe Designs, an aerospace engineering specialist founded in 2009 as a provider of structural analysis services to the aerospace sector. During the Covid-19 pandemic the company diversified into manufacturing, particularly in te field of additive manufacturing (AM), launching a new manufacturing division and expanding internationally after investing in 3-D scanning technology with support from the
Made Smarter adoption programme (Made Smarter is the UK national industrial digitalisation movement to drive productivity and growth of manufacturing industries).
The company first used a £20,000 grant from the Government-backed technology and skills adoption programme to invest £40,000 in a high-tech 3-D laser scanner that allows the business to accurately scan and reverse engineer aircraft components, assess damage, and streamline design and manufacturing processes. This initial investment subsequently laid the foundations for a dedicated 3-D division, which has since expanded to include an advanced scanner with photogrammetry capabilities that allow the business to work on large-scale parts, including full airframe structures.
Jerrod Hartley, Airframe Designs’ CEO, said: “The technology and innovation that the scanner brings is game-changing. The support from Made Smarter has been fantastic and really accelerated our plans. Without it, we wouldn’t be in the position we are now.”
Rapid growthWith the introduction of scanning and digital manufacturing capabilities, the business has experienced rapid growth, having tripled its headcount to 33 since 2022 — and aims to add 20 more over the next two years. The new manufacturing division now produces hundreds of parts per year and has plans to exceed 1,500 parts annually. Six apprentices and a number of existing staff have been upskilled in scanning and additive processes.
Furthermore, Airframe Designs has just undertaken a major six-month project with a large Middle Eastern carrier to reverse engineer and manufacture broken or worn cabin interior aircraft parts that are no longer supported by OEMs or cannot be sourced quickly and affordably.
Donna Edwards, Made Smarter’s adoption programme director, said: “Airframe Designs is a powerful example of how digital technology, backed by targeted support, can drive innovation, resilience and growth in UK manufacturing. By embracing 3-D scanning and additive manufacturing, the business has not only transformed its operations but also created high-value jobs and opened up new global markets.”