ASG King & Fowler, a historic manufacturing business with roots tracing back to its establishment in 1887, is excited to announce a significant £1.35 million investment in a state-of-the-art Tartaric Sulphuric Anodising (TSA) line. This strategic investment comes in anticipation of regulatory reforms driven by the REACH initiative, which aims to ban the use of hexavalent chrome in aerospace applications. The investment showcases ASG King & Fowler’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and staying at the forefront of industry standards and ahead of regulatory reform.
The new TSA line, which is currently being manufactured and commissioned by Jacquet Weston Engineering, is set to revolutionise ASG King & Fowler’s production processes. This fully automated line promises increased productivity and throughput advantages, all while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
Managing Director Gareth Richards expressed his enthusiasm about the investment, saying, “At ASG King & Fowler, we are dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding industry expectations. This substantial investment in our new TSA line underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility, as well as our focus on enhancing productivity and efficiency. We are proud to embrace this change and remain a leading force in the aerospace manufacturing industry.”
The new TSA line is expected to be installed in approximately 14 weeks, significantly enhancing ASG King & Fowler’s manufacturing capabilities. With this addition, the company will have greater capacity, improved efficiency, and the ability to allocate skilled labour to other critical tasks, further solidifying its competitive edge, both securing existing roles and likely to create new jobs in the future.
ASG King & Fowler was acquired by ASG Group in 2020 and has also invested £140,000 in a new passivation line, driven by customer requirements at Airbus. This investment showcases ASG Group’s proactive approach to staying ahead of regulatory changes and customer demands. The new trivalent passivation process will enhance the company’s offerings and its ability to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry.
Jacquet Weston Engineering, the manufacturing and commissioning partner for the TSA line, is excited to support ASG King & Fowler in its growth aspirations. Their Managing Director Nick Weston stated, “We are thrilled to be part of ASG King & Fowler’s journey towards innovation and sustainability. Our strong relationship with Gareth Richards and the entire ASG Group has been instrumental in making this project a reality. We look forward to delivering a cutting-edge TSA line that will elevate ASG King & Fowler’s manufacturing capabilities.”
With these strategic investments, ASG King & Fowler is poised to not only maintain its historical legacy but also to compete effectively with larger organisations in the aerospace manufacturing sector. The company’s proactive approach to staying ahead of regulatory changes and customer requirements demonstrates its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and long-term success.