Lancashire’s position as one of Britain’s most important aerospace manufacturing centres continues to provide a strong foundation for Velocity Composites plc, as the Burnley-headquartered business expands its international operations and develops new technologies to improve the efficiency of aircraft production.
The county has a long-established reputation for aerospace engineering, supported by major manufacturers, specialist suppliers and a skilled workforce with generations of experience in the industry. For Velocity Composites, which provides advanced composite material kits and digitally enabled supply chain solutions to aerospace manufacturers, that concentration of industrial expertise has played an important role in its development.
From its headquarters in Burnley, Velocity has built an international business serving some of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers. Its operations combine engineering expertise, proprietary software and precision material processing to help customers improve material utilisation, manage inventory and support increasingly demanding aircraft production schedules. Oliver Smalley, Chief Operating Officer at Velocity Composites, believes Lancashire’s manufacturing heritage remains an important commercial advantage for businesses operating in the global aerospace supply chain.
“Lancashire is a great place to build an aerospace manufacturing business because there is such a depth of experience here. People understand the industry, the standards it operates to and the demands placed on suppliers working on major aircraft programmes. “At Velocity, we benefit from that knowledge every day. Our business has developed around some very specialist capabilities, combining composite material processing with technology that helps customers manage their materials more efficiently. Having access to people who understand aerospace manufacturing has been hugely valuable as we have grown.”
Velocity’s growth reflects the increasingly international nature of aerospace manufacturing, where aircraft components and materials move between specialist production facilities across several countries before reaching final assembly. The company’s technology is designed to bring greater control to this process, particularly in the management of expensive advanced composite materials used in aircraft structures. Through its proprietary digital systems and precision cutting and kitting operations, Velocity helps manufacturers optimise material usage, improve traceability and deliver production-ready kits to the factory floor.
Its approach has particular relevance as aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers work to increase output while maintaining rigorous quality standards and improving productivity. For Smalley, the relationship between Lancashire’s traditional manufacturing strengths and the development of new industrial technologies is an important part of Velocity’s story.
“There is a tremendous amount of engineering knowledge in this part of the country, and what interests me is how that expertise continues to develop alongside new technology.
“At Velocity, we are applying digital systems and advanced processing techniques to a very practical manufacturing challenge. Composite materials are expensive, and the way they are managed, cut and delivered can have a significant impact on production efficiency. “Our teams in Lancashire are helping to develop and deliver solutions that have applications across international aerospace programmes. That is a great example of how expertise developed here can support manufacturing operations around the world.”
Lancashire’s aerospace sector includes major operations belonging to BAE Systems, Safran and Rolls-Royce, supported by an extensive network of engineering businesses, research organisations and education providers. The county is recognised as home to one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters, with a concentration of specialist manufacturing capability that continues to attract investment and support skilled employment.
For Velocity, this industrial environment offers access to technical knowledge and a workforce familiar with the exacting requirements of aerospace production. The company’s relationship with Burnley College is another important part of its commitment to developing local skills, supporting routes into manufacturing through technical education and practical industry experience.
Smalley added: “One of Lancashire’s greatest strengths is the relationship between its manufacturers and the organisations developing the next generation of engineers. We have some outstanding businesses here, and we need to keep investing in the people who will take them forward. “Our work with Burnley College is particularly important to us. We want young people to see the opportunities available in advanced manufacturing, whether that is working with composite materials, developing production processes or applying digital technology to engineering challenges.”
“There is a real opportunity to build a long-term career in aerospace here in Lancashire, with skills that are valued internationally.”
Velocity’s expansion into the United States, including its manufacturing facility in Tallassee, Alabama, illustrates how the company’s capabilities have developed beyond its original Lancashire base. The business continues to apply its expertise in engineered composite material kits, supply chain management and digital manufacturing to help customers improve efficiency across international production programmes.
As aerospace manufacturers pursue higher production rates, effective material management is becoming an increasingly important part of factory performance. Velocity’s technology enables customers to improve material utilisation, reduce waste and maintain traceability throughout the manufacturing process. For Smalley, Lancashire will continue to play an important role in the company’s development.
“We are proud to be a Lancashire manufacturer and to have built a business that serves aerospace customers internationally. “The knowledge and experience within our team are central to what we do. As we develop our technology and expand our operations, that expertise remains an important part of our competitive advantage. “Lancashire has an extraordinary aerospace manufacturing community, and Velocity is a good example of how a specialist business based here can develop technology and manufacturing capabilities that are relevant to customers around the world.”
The company’s experience also reflects a wider opportunity for Lancashire’s aerospace supply chain, as investment in aircraft production, advanced materials and manufacturing technology creates further demand for specialist industrial capabilities.
For Velocity Composites, Burnley remains an important part of that international manufacturing story.
