Engineers’ research rewarded with major Far East contract

Atomising Systems (ASL) and MEC Electrical Contracting have developed a metal powder technology, described as highly efficient, which can be used as a coating for high-tech components for the automotive industry.

The two firms are about to embark on an initial three-week assessment in Asia, followed by six weeks spent installing the bespoke equipment to a detailed specification.

They declined to disclose the name of the client, the exact nature of the contract or its exact value due to reasons of confidentiality, but said in total it will be worth a multi-million pound figure.

ASL specialises in the technology of powder or granule production by the atomisation (the break-up of a liquid into droplets) of melts. With an annual turnover of £6.5m and a headcount of 50, ASL has delivered more than 130 plants for metal powder atomisation in 35 countries in six continents.

Simon Dunkley, managing director of ASL, said the company has developed its reputation on a commitment to innovative research and development. “In 2010 our company was approached by a major client to develop a unique atomising system from first principles. Over the last three years we worked with MEC in three distinct phases, learning from each phase as we developed the atomising processes, all of which have been very technically demanding.”

Phil Slater, managing director of MEC, a £3m turnover firm with 40 staff, said: “We are showcasing our abilities at the cutting edge of technology. ASL required an extensive electrical installation programme.

“As we have been in uncharted territory, we have been prototyping systems and processes, learning together in a close collaboration and working to the highest standards to meet the client’s needs. We will be on-site in mid-May to establish site services for production.

“The full install in summer 2013 is the culmination of nearly two years of work – we consider ASL to be market leading in the field and are proud to be collaborating and helping fly the flag for British innovation worldwide.”