Web Industries, a precision formatter of advanced materials including high-performance composites for aerospace, defense and industrial markets, has deepened its involvement with National Composites Centre (NCC) by upgrading from associate to Tier 2 membership. The new status enables Web to take greater advantage of NCC’s design and manufacturing capabilities.

As a Tier 2 member, Web will be able to initiate research programmes involving new composite formatting solutions and to collaborate from the design stage with other NCC members, including composite material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, aerospace parts suppliers and OEMs. In addition, Web will have access to high-quality composite materials and specialised software programmes from industry-leading suppliers, said Web Industries in a press release.

Based in Bristol, UK, the NCC supports the development of new processes and technologies for the design and manufacture of advanced composite products. The centre boasts state-of-the-art equipment and industrial-scale manufacturing facilities and enables member companies to develop, adapt and validate new and existing processes and technologies.

“Web’s upgraded NCC status complements its recent acquisition of Omega Systèmes Atlantique and Aquitaine, a highly respected precision formatter with production sites in Nantes and Bordeaux, France. The acquisition is part of Web’s strategy to support its aerospace customers’ demands for formatting and materials management services,” said Patrick Markert, Web Industries’ head of business development, Europe.

“In Europe, new aerospace programmes are typically carried out at R&D hubs like NCC,” added Markert. “Web’s recently acquired facilities in France will be able to coordinate closely with NCC’s Bristol headquarters, shortening lead times and facilitating direct collaboration.” (PC)