Thornton Precision Components appoint two new Investment Casting Manufacturing Engineers.

Precision forging, casting and machined component supplier, Thornton Precision Components are pleased to announce the appointment of two new Investment Casting Manufacturing Engineers.

Having received first class references from orthopaedic OEM's around the world, Jim Schofield and Shaun Smith join Thornton Precision from Doncasters Centaur, and collectively have over 20 years of experience within the casting industry. Working closely with Thornton's orthopaedic casting centre, they will be responsible for new product development and process engineering.

Thornton Precision prides itself in innovative solutions to engineering problems, which are key to cost reduction within the supply chain. Jim and Shaun bring with them a wealth of experience from within the orthopaedic industry to help progress Thornton's quest for continued engineering excellence.

Thornton Precision Components win Awards for Forging & Innovation

Thornton Precision Components are proud to announce the winning of two prestigious awards. The first being 'The Acheson Trophy - Forging of the Year' for the development of a forged tibial knee previously being manufactured using only investment casting technology, and the second being 'The Leybourne Award - Innovation of the Year' for the development of a unique process for the manufacture of hip replacements using forged, ECM, CNC machining and coating processes.

Being part of Mettis Group, the Sheffield based Thornton Precision Components facility has undergone major investment in the past 2 years, aimed at offering 'Total Supply Capabilities' to the orthopaedic market. The multi-million pound investments have included the opening of the 'Orthopaedic Centre' based on Beulah Road, in which Medicast - an investment casting facility, and 'Machining Centre of Excellence' have been developed.

Upon receiving the awards at the Confederation of British Metalforming Annual Banquet in Birmingham, Managing Director Richard Senior said, "The awards underpin the technical expertise and dedication held at Thornton Precision. Continued investment in leading edge technologies have placed the company at the forefront of industries such as forging and investment casting and we will continue to invest to remain leaders in our chosen markets."

METTIS GROUP ACQUIRES HIGH DUTY ALLOYS LTD

Mettis Group today announces that it has acquired High Duty Alloys Limited for a consideration of £42.5m. HDA is a specialist forging company supplying components in a range of high integrity alloys to the aerospace, power generation, defence and general industrial sectors. This is the first major acquisition for Mettis since 3i backed its IBO in February 1999 and positions Mettis as a major independent specialist engineering group. Further acquisitions are expected over the coming months.

HDA was acquired from Bridgepoint Capital, who funded the MBO of HDA from BTR plc in 1997.

The acquisition of Redditch based HDA Forgings significantly enhances Mettis' position in the aerospace market and brings with it a wealth of opportunities for the development and expansion of its current UK aerospace activities, as well as going a long way towards satisfying the market's desire for supplier consolidation.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mettis Group Chairman, Des Kavanagh, said "there are tremendous synergies between HDA and the aerospace activities of Mettis Group. This combination provides a single UK based manufacturing operation for high technology forged components for the aerospace industry. It will enhance the Group's ability to develop internationally and to match the capability of its European and US competitors.

" Group Chief Executive, Brian Moore, commented "we are delighted that HDA is joining the Mettis Group. It is an excellent company and, in addition, the site will provide an opportunity to consolidate all of the Midlands based Mettis Group aerospace activities on one site to create a stronger company to meet the increasing demands of global competition."

Speaking on behalf of Mettis' venture capital backer, 3i plc, Richard Bishop said "we are very pleased with the progress Mettis has made since the IBO in February 1999. We are providing substantial further funding to back the strong, focused management to deliver the agreed acquisition strategy. We believe the prospects for the Group are very exciting."

Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, Mettis' lead bank, provided debt facilities. Mettis was advised by Matt Waddell and Andy Grove of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Paul Harkin of Pinsent Curtis, both of which companies are based in Birmingham.

For further information, please contact:

Thornton Precision Components Ltd have launched a new online service to its customers.

In the rapidly changing environment of industries such as medical and aerospace, the ability to respond to customers changing needs is becoming increasingly important.

This service will allow businesses looking for forged, cast and machined components to log onto the website and place there enquiry online.

Attaching the design to the enquiry will save time for the customer when collating such information for quotation, and allows Thorntons to supply a quotation to its customers within a matter of hours rather than days.

Apprentice 2000 Challenge - EEF & EMTA

Five of Thornton Precision's apprentices attended "Apprentice 2000 Challenge" held at Lindley Lodge Outward Bound Center, Castleton.

Patrick Sultanti, Stephen Whiteley, Ryan Martin, Samantha Leach and Nicola Smith were involved in the national event organised by Engineering & Marine Training Authority (EMTA) & the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).

With Key Skills being an integral part of the modern apprenticeship, the objective of the event was for each individual to develop these skills. The Key Skills include communication, presentation, application of numbers and information technology.

Ryan & Nicola were deservedly part of the winning team, however "Although only one team could win I feel that all the apprentices were successful in what they had achieved, and how well they represented Thornton Precision", said Neil Hemmingway - Personnel Manager