ASG King and Fowler, a leading aerospace surface treatment company based in Liverpool, has unveiled a new £2 million tartaric sulphuric anodising (TSA) line and paint booths. This investment is aimed at improving production efficiency, increasing capacity, and meeting upcoming regulatory requirements in the aerospace industry.
The new TSA line will significantly expand ASG King and Fowler’s capabilities, allowing the company to process aluminium parts up to 5.6 meters in length. The fully automated system marks a major leap in both large component processing and the handling of high-volume small parts.
Developed in collaboration with Jacquet Weston Engineering, the advanced TSA line is currently undergoing final operational trials. It offers a sustainable alternative to the traditional chromic anodising process, aligning with ASG King and Fowler’s efforts to comply with REACH regulations, which will phase out the use of hexavalent chrome in aerospace applications. The company has also installed new advanced paint booths to further enhance its surface treatment services, benefiting key aerospace clients like Airbus.
A Step Toward the Future
Stephen Dean, Managing Director of ASG King and Fowler, described the installation as a “transformational step” for the company. “The new TSA line and paint booths future-proof our operations, improving efficiency and capacity as we prepare for upcoming regulatory changes,” he said. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring we maintain the highest standards for our customers.”
This investment is part of ASG Group’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a top provider of aerospace surface treatments. The company acquired King and Fowler in 2020 and has since invested in new technologies, including a £140,000 trivalent passivation line to meet Airbus’s requirements.
Continued Investment in Aerospace Innovation
Simon Weston, Group Managing Director, emphasized the company’s forward-thinking approach. “We are committed to investing in new technologies that drive progress in UK aerospace manufacturing,” he said. “Our investments reflect our vision for a resilient future, where collaboration, technology, and smart decision-making lead the way. The new TSA line at ASG King and Fowler is an important part of this strategy, enhancing our sustainability efforts and helping us meet the evolving needs of our world-class customers.”
