Precision meets automation: Hollygate Fabrications’ new welding cobots are here!

Hollygate Fabrications is always looking ahead - and its latest investment proves that. It has just installed a state-of-the-art dual collaborative robot welding system, a major step forward in precision welding.

This cutting-edge setup combines Universal Robots’ flexible cobot technology with the advanced Lorch UK welding system, delivering exceptional accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. The result? Higher productivity, superior quality, and a future-proofed fabrication process.

This is more than just an upgrade. It’s a commitment to innovation, ensuring it continues to provide world-class welding solutions to Hyde Group’s customers.

Hyde Group wins long service award from Tameside College recognising work with apprentices

During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to highlight the positive impact Hyde Group is making in supporting this vital pathway into employment. Across our group of companies, we consistently employ over fifty apprentices, many of whom progress into senior and leadership roles.

We’re grateful for the outstanding support from Tameside College, whose deep understanding of our business is invaluable. At their recent Apprenticeship Awards ceremony, we were honoured to receive a Long Service Award in recognition of our ongoing efforts to create opportunities across Greater Manchester.

Beyond our partnership with Tameside College, we actively engage with other colleges, schools, and universities in the region by hosting site tours and delivering outreach sessions. As proud members of the 5% Club - a commitment by employers to ensure at least 5% of their workforce is in ‘earn and learn’ positions within five years – we’re already exceeding this goal.

Apprenticeships provide individuals with the opportunity to develop valuable skills and knowledge while earning a wage. Apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours in classroom-based learning with a college, university, or training provider, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

By investing in apprenticeships, we help individuals build rewarding careers while strengthening our workforce with the skills needed for the future. If you’re interested in future apprenticeship opportunities with Hyde Group, please contact our HR department at careers@hydegroup.com.

Powering a greener future: Hyde Group's renewable energy commitment

Since October 2022, the Hyde Group has sourced electricity from 100% renewable sources. Verified by the Carbon Trust, this transition underscores our commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Procuring 100% renewable electricity is one of the most effective ways to start a net-zero journey and to actively support wider net-zero targets.  From installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient machines and lighting and transitioning our vehicle fleet to electric, we’re dedicated to mitigating climate change both globally and locally. Embracing renewable energy is just one of the ways we’re striving to create a sustainable future for our business, our communities and the planet.

Strengthening aerospace manufacturing with Hyde Coatings and SurTec 650

Hyde Coatings, Hyde Group’s specialist in-house provider of surface treatments, is now qualified to process Airbus parts with SurTec 650, with other authorisations to follow. Offering a cutting-edge, environmentally chemical compliant conversion coating, free of hexavalent chromium, SurTec 650 delivers critical advantages for aerospace parts and assemblies, making it a strategic choice for the sector.

Here’s why SurTec 650 stands out for aerospace applications:

  • Enhanced corrosion resistance: SurTec 650 provides exceptional long-term corrosion protection, ensuring durability in harsh environments - key for aerospace parts subject to extreme conditions.

  • Electrical conductivity: Unlike traditional coatings, SurTec 650 preserves conductivity, essential for components requiring grounding and electrostatic protection without compromising on corrosion resistance.

  • Eco-friendly compliance: As a trivalent chromium solution, SurTec 650 aligns with the latest environmental standards, including RoHS compliance, providing a safer, sustainable alternative to hexavalent chromium-based coatings.

  • Paint adhesion: The coating also improves paint adhesion, enhancing finish quality and lifespan for parts that require additional coating layers.

  • Airbus Specification AIPI02-05-007 Chemical Conversion Coating by immersion for AA5xxx and AA6xxx aluminium alloys.

  • MIL-DTL-5541 Chemical Conversion Coating Type II Class 3 and MIL-DTL-81706 Type II Class 3 Form I Method C on AA5xxx, AA6xxx and 7xxx Aluminium Alloys.

Hyde Coatings’ qualification for this advanced process is testament to their commitment to high standards, sustainability, and the latest in aerospace technology. Their expertise in SurTec 650 applications supports the industry’s shift toward more sustainable, high-performance materials, setting a new standard for quality and compliance.

Advancing aerospace testing with breakthrough rotating rig design

We’re excited to share Hyde Group's contribution to a collaborative paper on the design of a multi-purpose high-speed rotating rig for the National Centre for Propulsion and Power at the University of Cambridge, UK, a project made possible by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute and InnovateUK.

Designed to rapidly test compressor, turbine and fan single stages, this ground-breaking rig offers unmatched versatility in rapid testing for the aerospace sector.  The rig design brings unique advantages to high-speed testing with its multi-purpose flexibility, allowing a variety of applications without the need for multiple rigs, which accelerates testing cycles and shortens development timelines. In addition, with advanced sensors and control systems, this rig delivers highly accurate data, offering new levels of confidence in testing outcomes.

The Hyde Group will shortly begin production of the rig – we’re proud to help drive technological advancement in aerospace with our partners and the talented team that made this project a reality.

The paper was presented at the ASME Turbo 2024 conference and can be downloaded from the ASME Digital Collection library here.

The Hyde Group has a long history of designing, developing and producing high performance mechanical, pressure, temperature and structural test rigs to accommodate our clients’ requirements, and we’ve manufactured test rigs across a range of industries including airframe, nuclear, marine and space.  Further information and past examples of our test rigs can be found here.

 

Continued excellence: Hyde Details and Hollygate Aircraft Components both achieve SC21 Silver Supply Chain excellence awards for three years in a row

We’re proud to share that Hyde Details Limited and Hollygate Aircraft Components Limited have both been awarded the SC21 Silver Supply Chain Excellence award for the third year in a row.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of their teams, who’ve all fully embraced the SC21 framework and continuously deliver sustainable improvements and outstanding service to their clients.

Special thanks to our colleagues at Leonardo for their ongoing support as our sponsors, especially Martin Pitman, Simon Whatley, Christopher Thomson, Edward Waddington and Nikoleta Balonova, .

Hyde Aero Products division now holds a total of eight SC21 awards, including three at the Silver level (with two more soon to be announced). By 2025, they aim to have all business units certified at Silver and, by 2027, elevate four units to Gold.

Crest Engineering apprentices visit Rolls-Royce's Derby facility

Crest Engineering apprentices recently had an exciting opportunity to visit Rolls-Royce’s Derby facility, where they explored the Production Build & Test Facility, Learning & Development Centre, and Heritage Centre. This behind-the-scenes experience allowed them to see first-hand how Crest Engineering’s work directly contributes to Rolls-Royce’s cutting-edge products and global success.

From witnessing how engines are assembled and tested to understanding Crest’s role in the supply chain, this visit was truly eye-opening. It also gave the apprentices a glimpse into the dynamic industry they’re stepping into.

A big thank you to Charles Ryle, Ben Bush, and the Rolls-Royce team for their time and insight. The apprentices were accompanied by Steve Hanmer, Managing Director of Crest Engineering, and Charlotte Yates from Hyde Group’s HR department.

(l to r): Oliver Booth, Oliver Fletcher, Ben Bush, Steve Hanmer, Charles Ryle, Charlotte Yates, Patrick Cwynar and Luca Stafford

Hyde Group Commemorates 100 Years of Avro Woodford

On Tuesday, September 17th, representatives from Hyde Group attended a prestigious event at the Avro Heritage Museum in Woodford, Greater Manchester. The event marked the centennial of the Woodford Aerodrome, home to A.V. Roe and Company (Avro), a cornerstone of British aviation. The museum, like the event, was a tribute to Avro’s pivotal role in the industry. Hyde Group was honoured with an invitation, reflecting its significant history of work at the Woodford site.

Hyde Group’s connection to Woodford dates back to the 1970s, when our tooling division manufactured assembly jigs for the Hawker Siddeley HS146 short-haul airliner. In the early 1990s, our Aero Products division began supporting Avrotec, a British Aerospace subsidiary that provided aftermarket services for the RJ146 regional jet. Hyde Group played a critical role in this program, supplying essential structural tooling and components, along with providing AOG (Aircraft on Ground) services.

This opened the door to securing long-term strategic contracts for the RJ146. Hyde Group was entrusted with key components, including the yaw damper, AC socket housing, canopy railing, and flap track fairings. We also provided ongoing support for the Hawk advanced trainer and the Tornado multirole combat aircraft.

Hyde Group was deeply involved in work on the Nimrod, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft designed around the de Havilland Comet 4 civil airliner. We were tasked with updating and manufacturing tooling and test equipment for the new airframe structure. Our involvement spanned rebuilding, machining, fabricating, and reverse-engineering projects, extending to the MRA4 variant, where we produced sub-assemblies and components such as auxiliary power units, flying controls, engine cover doors, droop nose ribs, wing tips, egress hatches, and radomes. Additionally, the Hyde Group contributed to the design and integration of AC/DC navigation crates and major harness systems across the airframe.

Our contributions also extended to the Avro Vulcan, where we provided extensive tooling and frequent airframe modifications for the former nuclear deterrent.

During the centennial event, the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Suzanne Wyatt, unveiled a plaque honouring the men and women who worked at Woodford aerodrome from 1925 to 2011. Attendees were treated to a series of flypasts, including a Tiger Moth, an Anson, a BAE 146, and a Bristol Blenheim – the last of its kind still capable of flight.

Former Avro employee Roy Clarke officially opened the museum’s newest addition, the Greater Manchester Aviation Legacy Exhibition. This exhibit highlights the region’s rich aviation history, focusing on the contributions of companies and individuals that helped establish Greater Manchester as a global leader in aeronautics. Hyde Group was especially proud to be recognised, given our long-standing connection to Woodford aerodrome.

David Cooper, Hyde Group CEO

Hyde Group CEO David Cooper explored the museum, where he rediscovered the Freddie Bassett Trophy, which he had won during his apprenticeship in 1971.

We extend our gratitude to the Avro Heritage Museum staff for hosting such a remarkable event and encourage everyone to visit and support the museum, which continues to preserve the legacy of A.V. Roe and his company.

Jamie Stewart achieves CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certification

Jamie Stewart, Works Manager at Hollygate Fabrications, has recently achieved the prestigious CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certification through The Welding Institute. This accreditation is one of the most respected qualifications in the industry, recognised by both individuals and employers as a benchmark for competence and reliability in welding inspection.

Hollygate Fabrications has proudly supported Jamie throughout his studies, and he’s now advancing further by pursuing the Senior Welding Inspector 3.2 certification.

Congratulations to Jamie on this impressive accomplishment, and best of luck with your continued studies!

Farnborough Airshow 2024 review

Time to reflect on this year’s Farnborough Airshow…

A busy start to the week saw the Secretary of State for Business & Trade, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, drop by the Hyde Group stand to meet with our team. We also met with customers, international trade delegations, governmental departments and ministries. Additionally, we attended briefings and seminars from OEMs and primes.

Our specialist in sheet metal fabrication and welded assemblies, Hyde Details (Fabrications & Welding), received the SC21 Bronze award for Operational Excellence from ADS for the third successive year.

We were involved in BAE Systems' 'National Value' zone in Hall 5 as well, where Miyah Warden, from Victoria Production Engineering, helped illustrate the economic impact of the sovereign combat air sector on the UK economy, and highlighted sustainability progress and early careers programs for apprentices and graduates in the Hyde Group.

It was a busy and successful show - we look forward to doing it all again in 2026!

5% Club - Hyde Aero Products awarded Gold membership status

We’re enormously proud to announce that Hyde Aero Products division has been awarded Gold membership status of the 5% Club, a programme inspiring and celebrating employer action for increased, accessible and inclusive ‘earn & learn’ opportunities for all, in particular for apprentices and graduates. Employers joining the 5% Club commit that 5% of their workforce will be in ‘earn and learn’ positions within five years – Hyde Aero Products is almost at 10% already.

Nominated by our colleagues at Leonardo, to achieve gold status we were measured against:

  • the number of employees on graduate programmes, apprenticeships, student degree placement schemes, and other ‘earn and learn’ training programmes

  • the breadth and balance of our inclusion and social mobility programmes

  • the quality of our training and development schemes, including assurance, standards and completion rates for apprenticeships and graduate programmes

  • our plans for future growth of ‘earn and learn’ opportunities.

As a responsible, high-quality employer, we’re committed to working within our community and with local education providers across the Greater Manchester area to create a shared prosperity and drive ‘earn and learn’ skills training opportunities.

SC21 Bronze for third year running

Hyde Details (Fabrications & Welding) has been awarded ADS SC21 Bronze for Operational Excellence for the third year running - a fantastic achievement!  They’re the Hyde Group’s specialist in sheet metal fabrication and welded assemblies, pipe assemblies, non-destructive testing and drop hammer pressings, and are NADCAP approved for heat treatment, Non-Destructive Testing and Welding.  Great work by everyone at the company and special thanks to Simon Whatley and his colleagues at Leonardo for acting as sponsors.

Across its businesses, Hyde Aero Products division holds eight SC21 awards, of which three are currently at Silver level. We plan to achieve Silver across the whole division by 2025 and then four Gold by 2027.

International Welding Specialist award !

Following 12 months’ study, Daniel Spensley, Quality Manager and Responsible Welding Coordinator at Hollygate Fabrications has been accredited as an International Welding Specialist by the International Institute of Welding.

The IWS qualification teaches specialised knowledge in welding technology and trains students to develop solutions and supervise welding activities in the workplace.

Hollygate Fabrications has funded Daniel throughout his studies – and it’s not over yet, with two further stages to follow over the next year or so as he studies to become an International Welding Technologist and then an International Welding Engineer.

Well done Daniel and good luck for the rest of your studies!

Silver SC21 award to Stoneswood Precision Components

Stoneswood Precision Components has been awarded the SC21 Silver Operational Excellence award following their Bronze in 2021.  The award will be presented to the team at the Farnborough Airshow in July.

Huge credit to the wider Stoneswood Precision Components team who’ve collectively embraced the SC21 journey, the sustainable business improvements and who continue to excel and delight their clients; all part of our continuous improvement journey across the Hyde Aero Products division.  Special thanks also go to Martin Pitman and his colleagues at Leonardo for acting as their sponsors.

 

Hyde Group a double winner at different regional awards events

May was a fruitful month for Hyde Group, as two of our companies scooped awards at separate award ceremonies.

VPE’s Engineering Manager James Bamford and Associate Operations Director Sean Binding receiving the Automotive, Aerospace & Rail award at the Insider Made In The North West Awards.

At the Insider Made In The North West 2024 awards held at Manchester Central, Victoria Production Engineering (VPE), the group’s specialist manufacturer of precision turned and milled components won the coveted Automotive, Aerospace & Rail award for the “original and imaginative re-engineering activities implemented across their business”.

On the same evening at the Pride of Tameside 2024 awards held at the historic Dukinfield Town Hall, Hyde Group Limited won the Manufacturing/Engineering Business of the Year award for the vital work they’re undertaking across key programs for remediation, decarbonisation, transportation and aerospace.

The Pride of Tameside Awards, Dukinfield Town Hall

Both award submissions cited that as one of the largest private employers in the area, Hyde Group takes seriously our responsibilities to the environment, to investment in local supply chains and crucially, to supporting apprenticeships and the employment of young people within the region.

Hyde Aero Products part of £22.5m industry collaboration to reduce CO2 footprint and aircraft time-to-market

Hyde Aero Products is delighted to be able to share the news of its involvement with the I-Break project, (Landing Gear Industrial Breakthrough). 

Hyde Aero Products is part of the £22.5m collaboration between 16 partners from industry leaders to small businesses, academics and research organisations.  It will, for the first time develop and manufacture major landing gear structural components, currently produced using large forgings, with innovative techniques such as powder hot isostatic pressing, additive manufacture and composite, in order to reduce the aircraft time to market and reduce industrial CO2 footprint by 30%.

Miyah Warden - Apprenticeship Award winner !

We’re very proud of Miyah Warden, CNC machinist at Victoria Production Engineering, our specialist supplier of precision turned and milled components.  At the recent Apprenticeship Awards evening held by Tameside College, Miyah was presented with an award for her development of new working practices and achievements in the business.  Her input into the company’s expanded Airbus thread rolling approval was highlighted by the judges in particular.

Miyah also took part in a Q&A session around the benefits of apprentice schemes with students at the Great Academy Ashton.  With Miyah as an ambassador for both apprenticeships and for working with the Hyde Group, we’re sure many of those students in the Q&A audience will be encouraged to join us and help shape the future of the business.

We continue to receive fantastic service from Tameside College, who have a deep understanding of our business. Alongside on-the-job training in a paid role, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. 

Apprenticeships can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help us create a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.  If you’re interested in future apprentice opportunities with Hyde Group, please contact our HR department at careers@hydegroup.com.

Hyde Aero Products invests in large scale energy efficiency project

Installation of photovoltaic cells at Hyde Aero Products’ HQ in east Manchester

As part of the drive to reduce their carbon footprint, Hyde Aero Products has recently installed solar panels at their east Manchester HQ. 

The 350 KWp solar photovoltaic system installed by Energy Gain UK Limited at Hyde Aero Products’ HQ will produce an average of 270,200 units of electricity per year and up to 6.3m units over the next 25 years, the equivalent of powering over 1,500 homes for one year. 

The energy efficiency project will off-set over 1,300 tonnes of CO2 over the next 25 years, the equivalent of the emissions from driving around the Earth nearly 200 times in a diesel car.

Matthew Smallman, Joint Divisional Managing Director of Hyde Aero Products commented: “Embracing sustainability has been a long-term strategy for us, so the installation of these solar panels has been something we’ve planned for a while.  In conjunction with other environmental programmes such as improving the energy efficiency of our machines, replacing lighting with more energy-efficient solutions and moving our vehicle fleet over to electric-power, we’re committed to championing sustainability to help mitigate climate change not only on a global scale but also on a local one.”

Other businesses within the Hyde Group of companies are following Hyde Aero Products’ lead by working with Energy Gain UK to install solar panel systems at their sites too.

Craig Jones, Energy Gain UK Managing Director commented “We’re proud to be working with such a prestigious organisation.  The commitment Hyde Aero Products has shown to the environment is fantastic, not just for today, but for generations to come.  Hopefully this project encourages other businesses to consider energy efficiency projects in order to reduce their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.”