The Bessemer Society Presents: The Electric Vehicle Challenge at University of Warwick

The theme for this Bessemer Society grand dinner held in The Rootes Building at University of Warwick and co-hosted with WMG was “The Electric Vehicle Challenge”. Attended by some of the best brains from across the science, technology and manufacturing sector, The Bessemer Society brings together leading business figures to discuss key industry topics and enable unique networking at a senior level. Guests heard from four of the most senior people from the UK’s automotive and battery technology sector. Keynote speakers Professor David Greenwood leader of Advanced Propulsion Systems at WMG, Richard Hankinson, Automotive Director at Unipart Logistics, Isobel Sheldon, Head of Business Development at UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) and commentator Professor Dr Gero Kempf, Chief Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, delivered a fascinating insight into the EV supply chain, followed by group forum and discussion.

Business & Innovation Magazine are proud to be Official Media Partners of The Bessemer Society www.bessemer-society.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB LACEY

Rising revenues for historic Redditch aerospace business

Redditch-based Mettis Aerospace has reported group sales revenue up 10 per cent year-on-year to £82.5 million, reflecting a further growth in sales of products for new and next generation aircraft and engines, as well as increased build rates.

Mettis Aerospace began in the 1930s as High Duty Alloys (HDA). Its Redditch facility was responsible for the majority of Britain’s aero-engine pistons in the Second World War, producing more than 10 million components, including the V-shaped spars that held the bouncing bombs on the Lancaster bombers during the Dambusters raid.

Consequently, the factory was a target for the German Luftwaffe keen to disable one of the allies’ vital wartime manufacturers. So the company stationed anti-aircraft guns on the hill by the forge mill.

In 1945, HDA made the first impellers for Frank Whittle’s pioneer jet engine in what was then a top-secret project. Following more inovations through the decades, the company became Mettis Aerospace in 1999 following its acquisition by the Mettis Group.

The company said that the outlook for the civil aerospace market remains positive as travel volumes continue to increase. Growth of around five per cent per year is expected for both passenger and cargo traffic, with highest growth rates anticipated in the Asia Pacific region and China with India, the Middle East and Latin America closely behind.