Progressive Technology rejoins Farnborough Aerospace Consortium

The Newbury-based engineering company Progressive Technology Group has rejoined Farnborough Aerospace Consortium as the sector readies itself for a relaunch post-covid.

FAC’s 22^nd annual conference is set for late November and many businesses are preparing for the event at which leading industry figures will speak. Progressive Technology Group had joined FAC prior to the pandemic as part of its business development strategy and had seen rapid growth.

After Covid struck, the company adjusted its priorities but is back on the runway and looking to progress its aerospace business. 

Established in 1977, Progressive Technology has a highly skilled workforce based in a state-of-the-art facility with shifts running 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Chris French-Drayton, business development manager, said: "We joined the FAC as it is the longest established regional aerospace trade association in the UK. It quickly became a prominent element of our aerospace outreach.

"Covid meant a temporary reassessment was necessary, but we have now returned to the fold and anticipate FAC helping us accelerate our development within aerospace and aviation. During the last 16 months our website and corporate branding underwent a total makeover and features an embedded virtual factory tour. We have increased our capacity with new machinery"

David Barnes, chief executive of FAC, said: "Progressive Technology typifies the resilience and spirit of the aerospace, manufacturing and engineering sector and its supply chain. The unprecedented effect of Covid meant everyone had to reassess and reorganise but we are now seeing signs of a proper recovery. Progressive Technology has a superb reputation, astonishing facilities and is exactly the type of business that will drive the recovery and help rebuild the country’s economy."

Kim Yeomans, operations manager of FAC, said: "Our conference is a chance for members and non-members to hear the latest intelligence and updates from the biggest names in the aerospace sector. There will be networking opportunities and face-to-face meetings will do so much to drive business and seal deals. If we work together as a sector, seek collaboration over competition, we will recover more quickly."

About Farnborough Aerospace Consortium

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium is one of the longest established aerospace and defence trade associations in the UK. It has circa 200 members nationally and internationally to serve its membership in the south and south east of England, the heart of UK aerospace.

The FAC acts as an enabler for business between large primes and the supply chain – especially SMEs. Its chairman is Sir Donald Spiers and its chief executive is David Barnes.

About Progressive Technology

Established in 1977, Progressive Technology Group is a fast-make, sub-contract engineering business.

The group has three specialist divisions:

• progressive advanced machining, for complex CNC machining.
• progressive additive manufacturing, for additive manufacturing (otherwise known as DMLS)
• progressive advanced materials, for machined patterns, prototypes and composite inserts