Rolls-Royce, the power systems and aero-engine manufacturer and Unipart, the manufacturing, logistics and consultancy group, have announced their intention to form a joint venture for the development and delivery of manufacturing solutions for advanced fixturing and products applicable across a range of manufacturing industries.
Based on proven and patented Rolls-Royce technology, MetLase will provide innovative engineering solutions to applications where precision and speed of deployment are increasingly critical.
Initially focused on aerospace, automotive, motorsport and the medical market sector, the new company will initially create around 30 high-end, technical engineering jobs at its new headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.
The drive to reduce development lead times whilst solving the most complex manufacturing problems is creating increasing demand for MetLase solutions.
Currently it can take months to design and manufacture a special tool or product using conventional methods and thinking. Applying MetLase technology can reduce this from months to weeks or days saving valuable time and enabling products to be brought to market far more quickly.
Hamid Mughal, Director of Manufacturing, Rolls-Royce, said: “We see creating a JV with Unipart as an excellent opportunity to work with a well-established cross-sector partner with complementary skills to help accelerate the development of the MetLase technology and widen its use into a broader range of markets.”
According to Unipart Chairman and Chief Executive, John Neill, the MetLase joint venture provides an important platform for Unipart, which has long been associated with productivity improvement through its proprietary business system, The Unipart Way.
“We’re very pleased to be taking this important step with Rolls-Royce in a partnership that will establish an incubator for innovation in the aerospace industry, and will extend into other areas in which we have deep expertise such as the automotive industry and motorsport,” he said.