Northern Ireland-based CCP Gransden specialises in composite technologies and thermoplastics, as well as designing, engineering and manufacturing equipment for the pharmaceutical, chemical, agri-food and aerospace industries.
CCP Gransden was offered nearly £100,000 under the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), through Invest Northern Ireland’s Grant for R&D.
The research project, which began last year and will last 18 months, is focussing on the use of thermoplastic materials for the aerospace industry with a view to reducing processing time and making components lighter in weight and easier to install and repair.
Through its participation in Belfast’s advanced composites and engineering research centre, NIACE, CCP Gransden developed its application and subsequent presentation, demonstrating successfully that the proposed research would make a significant contribution to the aerospace industry. Bombardier, a key founder of NIACE and an active supporter of the local supply chain, also supported the application.
Jim Erskine, MD of CCP Gransden said,
“We went through a very rigorous process in order to secure the funding, which included involvement by major aerospace companies in the UK, all of whom strongly back the NATEP scheme. We are indebted to Invest NI, the NIACE Centre, Bombardier and other local aerospace companies for their assistance and support. We’re all looking forward to getting the project underway.”
Kevin McCann, Invest NI’s Director of Research and Development added:
“This NATEP research project is a significant and strategic investment by CCP Gransden which has the potential to contribute to our growing aerospace sector. Industry experts in Bombardier along with the universities, through NIACE, will help the company explore the latest thinking on composite material processing.
“The knowledge and expertise gained through this research project will help the company build relationships with other aerospace companies and position CCP Gransden competitively to maximise future business opportunities.”
Gavin Campbell, Director, Engineering and Technology Development, Bombardier Belfast, said,
“I congratulate CCP Gransden on winning this research grant , and would encourage other local companies to take advantage of the opportunity the NATEP scheme offers. Focused investment in research and development can help stimulate productivity and ultimately drive economic growth – key objectives of the Aerospace Growth Partnership.”
Dr Scott King, General Manager, NIACE said, “CCP Gransden has been a very proactive participant in NIACE, fully embracing our ethos of collaboration and knowledge exchange with like-minded organisations. I am especially delighted its involvement in the centre and the collaboration with other participants has been a contributing factor in its being successful in its application for funding.”
CCP Gransden will continue to be supported by NATEP experts who represent leading aerospace companies such as Airbus, Bombardier, Rolls-Royce, GKN and others, who advise on project design, assisting with problems should they arise, and also suggesting routes to market.
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