Kaman Tooling gets new Lancashire owner

Burnley-based Kaman Tooling has been bought from its owners by Michael Parker, who also owns Accrington-based G Parker Aero Tooling Solutions.

Until the acquisition, the division was part of the Connecticut-based Kaman Corporation. It will now trade as KTL Tooling.

The group has also appointed Dave Roberts as non-executive chairman. He brings significant industry experience to the role, and has been tasked with creating a commercially-focused executive team to underpin both organisations and lay the foundation to deliver growth.

KTL Tooling operates from a purpose-built 64,000 sq ft manufacturing facility on Burnley’s Innovation Drive, a global centre of excellence for aerospace and automotive engineering.

It employs more than 60 highly skilled technical engineers and support staff, who service a growing international roster of industry leaders that includes BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, GKN Aerospace, Airbus EADS (Astrium) and Thales Underwater Systems.

Under its new ownership, KTL Tooling says its mission is to become the go-to supplier for composite mould tools in the UK and Europe, by leveraging the enlarged group’s engineering expertise and complementary tooling specialisms.

Michael Parker, managing director of KTL Tooling, said: "A history of innovation binds KTL Tooling and G Parker Aero Tooling Solutions, which was a key driver behind the takeover. Creating a single group brings a significant breadth of technical ability that sets us apart from our competitors, ultimately supporting both business’s growth plans and the evolving needs of our customers."

During its almost 60-year history, KTL Tooling has developed a range of specialist tools for the manufacture of complex aircraft parts, which includes production of the A350, F-35, Typhoon, A320, Learjet, C-Series, A330, Hawk, A380, KC-390, G280, Trent, AH-1Z, A10 and A340.

In addition to various ISO accreditations, the business is AS9100 Rev. D certified and holds BAE Systems’ Method 1 approval (Direct to Line Delivery).

Michael added: "Tooling was one of the many specialisms under the Kaman banner and we are focused on enhancing KTL Tooling’s manufacturing capability with its relevant approvals. We still work closely with Kaman on a preferred supplier basis, whilst ensuring we maintain the same high levels of innovation, service and support for our entire client base.

"East Lancashire is one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters and I am committed to strengthening the region’s outputs through this enlarged tooling group to ensure it remains a significant hub for advanced global manufacturing.”