Boost as Sheffield engineering firm announces £180m deal with Rolls Royce
Deal follows major investment announcement
A high profile Sheffield engineering firm has won two massive contracts with Rolls Royce, worth £180 million.
Special Melted Products Ltd (SMP) announced the signing of the two significant multi-year contracts with global engineering giant Rolls-Royce, during the Farnborough International Airshow.
The Sheffield firm says the agreements represent a major milestone and further strengthen its long-standing strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce in the UK.
.png?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
Andy Richardson, chief executive at Special Melted Products Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have secured these important long-term contracts with Rolls-Royce with production of all material and parts being manufactured here in the UK, showcasing Sheffield’s world class manufacturing capabilities whilst strengthening the UK’s sovereign capability, and creating economic value.
“These agreements are a testament to the strength of our relationship and the dedication of our people who continue to deliver quality, reliability, and innovation. We greatly value our long-standing partnership with Rolls-Royce and look forward to continuing to build and strengthen our collaboration for many years to come.”
They added that the contracts reinforced the company’s position as a trusted strategic supplier of high integrity speciality metals to the aerospace and defence sector.
The firm recently announced plans to spend over £50m on expansion to help end the UK’s reliance on US supplies of aerospace and defence parts - and hopes to create 168 new jobs.
It is building a new melt shop, forge and research department on Carlisle Street, opposite its base on President Way, Grimesthorpe.
The 260-strong company, a subsidiary of Taiwanese firm Walsin Lihwa, hopes to create 168 jobs by 2030 and triple revenue to £300m in the next five years.
SMP, which can trace its roots back to 1842, makes nickel-based alloy ingots, blooms, billets, forged bars, semi-finished shafts and products for the aerospace industry.
Project Vulcan includes a 7,000 tonne press, forge vehicles called ‘manipulators’ that transport hot metal, and five furnaces: one 18-tonne vacuum induction melting furnace, two 20-tonne electro slag remelting furnaces, and two 20-tonne vacuum arc remelting furnaces.
Beyond the technology, Project Vulcan will create highly-skilled jobs, support apprenticeships, strengthen the regional supply chain and boost Sheffield’s economy, Mr Richardson added.
SMP borrowed £2.2m from Lloyds to buy an industrial building on Carlisle Street and is targeting full operation by 2031.
Lee Bloodworth, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Special Melted Products exemplifies the high-value, high-skill manufacturing that underpins Sheffield’s ‘Steel City’ reputation.
“The team has a clear, ambitious plan through Project Vulcan to invest in capability, strengthen UK supply chain resilience and create skilled local jobs.”