Basildon, UK – Rodwell Powell, a leading specialist in aerospace, defence, and high-performance industrial machining, has reinforced its commitment to excellence and innovation with a £250,000 investment in its inspection department. This substantial upgrade includes the acquisition of two state-of-the-art LK Metrology Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), ensuring the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency, and quality assurance for its prestigious clients, including Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Caterpillar.
A Legacy Forged in War, Engineering the Future
Rodwell Powell’s dedication to precision engineering is deeply rooted in its history. During World War II, company founder John Rodwell was conscripted into the British Army. However, within just two weeks, military authorities recognised his exceptional engineering talent and recalled him to lead hundreds of skilled workers in the war effort, that included manufacturing critical Spitfire tooling and components.
Now, over 80 years later, Rodwell Powell has come full circle, once again manufacturing Spitfire axles for specialist restoration projects, ensuring these legendary aircraft continue to fly. This milestone blends the company’s rich heritage with cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing, supplying high-precision components for Rolls-Royce jet engines and Caterpillar heavy machinery, while continuing its tradition of engineering excellence.
£250K Investment: A Transformational Leap in Precision Inspection
Recognising the growing complexity and scale of aerospace and industrial components, Rodwell Powell has undertaken a comprehensive transformation of its inspection department, creating an ultra-modern, high-performance environment. This £250,000 investment includes:
Advanced CMM Technology for Unrivalled Accuracy
Rodwell Powell’s latest investment in metrology and quality control features two advanced LK Altera CMMs:
These future-proof CMMs enable multi-sensor measurement, integrating seamlessly with CAD models to provide faster, more accurate, and highly automated inspections.
“Our investment in LK Metrology’s cutting-edge CMM technology is a game-changer,” said Andrew Rodwell, Managing Director of Rodwell Powell. “Not only does this reinforce our capabilities in aerospace and defence engineering, but it also ensures that we continue to meet and exceed the highest industry standards.”
Supporting Rolls-Royce Aerospace & Caterpillar with Next-Level Quality Control
Rodwell Powell is a trusted supplier in the Rolls-Royce Aerospace supply chain, manufacturing high-precision components for next-generation jet engines. The company also plays a vital role in producing high-performance parts for Caterpillar’s heavy machinery, used in construction, mining, and industrial applications worldwide.
The addition of LK Metrology’s advanced CMMs allows for increased accuracy, greater throughput, and reduced lead times, reinforcing Rodwell Powell’s reputation for uncompromising quality in these highly demanding industries.
“With larger and more complex components now being manufactured, our enhanced inspection capabilities will be critical in maintaining absolute precision for Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, and our Spitfire restoration partners,” added Brandon Sanders, CMM Quality Inspector.
Commitment to Industry Growth: Investing in the Next Generation
As part of its commitment to developing future generations of engineers, Rodwell Powell/ LK have donated its previous LK Integra 6.5.4 CMM to a training facility, ensuring that aspiring engineers gain hands-on experience with world-class metrology equipment.
A Long-Term Partnership with LK Metrology
Rodwell Powell carefully assessed various alternatives before selecting LK Metrology, citing:
As part of this collaboration, LK Metrology will provide:
✅ Operator training at its UK facility.
✅ On-site support six months post-installation.
✅ A trial licence for Camio OFFLINE, allowing Rodwell Powell to optimise pre-production inspection capabilities.
Engineering the Future: A Legacy That Spans Generations
From manufacturing Spitfire parts in WWII to producing next-generation jet engine components for the aerospace industry, Rodwell Powell continues to bridge the past and future of engineering excellence. This £250,000 investment in metrology and inspection facilities cements the company’s position as a leader in British precision engineering, driving innovation in aerospace, defence, and heavy industry.
For more information on Rodwell Powell’s precision engineering services, visit www.rodwell-powell.com.
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