Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), which is approaching its 25th anniversary in business later this year, has installed two additional single-chamber Chemcut etching machines and a state-of-the-art UCE developer for creating quicker and cleaner imaging. ACE has completed a £350,000 investment drive in a capacity boost to enhance its market position.
This means 325,000 sheets can be produced every year at its Hortonwood facility, a 30% boost in throughput. Importantly, it gives it greater flexibility over product lines and increased accuracy.
Company leaders are focused on increasing market share in electrification, aerospace, medical, and filters. They seek growth opportunities domestically and in the 30 countries where they operate.
Chris Ball, executive director at Advanced Chemical Etching, commented: “There’s been so much global uncertainty outside of manufacturing’s control, but we’ve decided to press on with investment in new technology that makes us quicker and gives us scope to take on additional work.”
“The two single chamber Chemcut etching machines mean we now have eight on our shopfloor and the developer is a massive upgrade on our previous equipment. These additions will be used on existing orders and new contracts we have in the pipeline, ranging from busbars for electrification to critical components for airplanes and titanium parts that are used to save lives.”
He continued: “At our peak last year we could probably process 1000 sheets every day. Now that figure is comfortably 1300, which gives us plenty of space to grow and increase revenues.”
All parts are developed and manufactured at the company’s main site in Hortonwood and at its dedicated sister business, ACE Forming Limited, in Kingswinford.
Ian Whateley, managing director, went on to add: “We are definitely seeing a lot more sectors looking to employ just-in-time supply, which means that we have to make sure the products we supply are right first time. In fact, we’re currently recording 99.97% RFT – way above the industry average.”
“This is even more impressive when you consider we send parts to customers in 30 countries across the world, including Denmark, Luxembourg, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand and the US.”
“Etching is still not understood by a lot of manufacturing and a big drive for us is educating clients on how they can embrace this engineering discipline. In a lot of applications, we can deliver the same level of performance at a fraction of the cost.”
About Advanced Chemical Etching
Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), founded in March 2000, is a UK company focusing on precision photo-etched metal parts. ACE is headquartered in Telford, Shropshire, UK. With over 20 years in the industry, ACE supports various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, communications, electronics, medical, precision engineering, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Their production range is broad, creating items from simple washers to detailed precision components. The parts are used in applications such as battery interconnects, fuel cell bi-polar plates, battery grids, cooling plates, and heating elements. ACE is known for its innovative etching techniques, including unique chemistries for titanium and aluminum. The company holds quality certifications like ISO:9001, AS:9100 for aerospace, and ISO:14001 for environmental standards. ACE currently employs 70 people in Telford. The company has a global reach, supplying precision components to customers in more than 35 countries. ACE has experienced significant financial growth, with net assets reported at £4.48 million as of March 31, 2024.
