SJC Hutchinson invests in laser cutting for aerospace

Antrim, Northern Ireland - SJC Hutchinson Engineering is capitalizing £3.6 M (~$5.9 M) in technology, research, and development at its new specialist aerospace division, Hutchinson AeroTech, with the objective of becoming a leader in the machining and supply of stainless steel and titanium processing for the aerospace sector.

The new business will produce 27 new jobs; 14 will be established at the company’s base in Kilrea and the remaining 13 at Hutchinson’s new premises in Antrim. The new site has one of three customized Trumpf Trumatic 6000 lasers in the world.

Hutchinson AeroTech is at present working with several academic institutes and aerospace companies to research the effects of processing aerospace materials using a laser.

“We’ve already invested £1.5 million in the latest cutting edge technologies and R&D to ensure that we can service the needs of this highly specialized sector,” said Mark Hutchinson, managing director, Hutchinson AeroTech. “Building on over 40 years’ experience working with clients who demand precision and accuracy will help us meet the stringent needs of the aerospace sector. Our investment in researching the effects of laser cutting on aerospace materials should differentiate us from our competitors and allow us to offer customers higher quality components for precision applications.”

Hutchinson AeroTech is part of a bustling aerospace sector in Northern Ireland, which directly employs over 8000 people, generates annual revenues of close to £1 billion and contributes greatly to exports.