What's Happening?
ASG King & Fowler, a Liverpool-based aerospace surface treatment specialist, has received formal approval from Airbus for its newly installed, fully automated tartaric sulphuric anodising (TSA) line. This
approval marks a significant milestone following a £2 million investment in the new TSA line, which complies with Airbus's rigorous specifications. The state-of-the-art line, commissioned earlier this summer, offers a sustainable and fully automated alternative to traditional chromic anodising. It is capable of processing aluminium parts up to 5.6 meters in length, catering to both large structural components and high-volume production work. This development positions King & Fowler as a strategic supplier for next-generation aerospace components requiring REACH-compliant anodising processes.
Why It's Important?
The approval from Airbus is a transformative moment for ASG King & Fowler, as it validates the company's investment in future-proofing its business and enhances its ability to meet stringent industry quality standards. The new TSA line not only improves throughput and environmental performance but also strengthens the company's sustainability credentials. This move aligns with wider regulatory changes in the aerospace sector, such as the planned phasing out of hexavalent chrome under REACH legislation. By adopting the TSA process, ASG King & Fowler supports customer compliance requirements and positions itself to win and retain key aerospace work, thereby securing its role in the evolving aerospace industry.
What's Next?
The new TSA capability is part of a broader transformation program backed by ASG Group, which acquired King & Fowler in 2020. Alongside the anodising line, the Liverpool site has also commissioned advanced paint booths and previously installed a £140,000 trivalent passivation line, all in line with Airbus specifications. This comprehensive upgrade reflects ASG Aerospace's vision to build a resilient, innovation-led surface treatment group that sets the standard in quality and sustainability. The company is now poised to meet the needs of customers across the aerospace industry, signaling its readiness to adapt to future demands and regulatory changes.
