Robert Walter Website link:- http://www.bobwaltermp.com/newsshow.aspx?ref=918
Aerospace Manuf link:- http://www.aero-mag.com/news/20103/272/
Defence Matters Link:- http://www.defencematters.co.uk/news/Local-MP-visits-ETL-in-Dorset.aspx
Electronic Technicians LTD [ETL], based on the Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, recently hosted a visit by the North Dorset MP, Mr Robert Walter, who is also the President of the inter-parliamentary European Security ad Defence Assembly. The Visit was organised as part of the industry wide Defence Matters campaign which aims to communicate the positive contribution of the defence industry to the UK, and the value that the industry brings to the national economy and the vital work of our Armed Forces. ETL was selected by the ADS, the Trade Association advancing UK aerospace, defence and security industries, of which ETL are members. ADS are heavily involved in the Defence Matters campaign and are keen that the value of small-medium enterprises [SMEs] such as ETL is communicated to local politicians.
Bob Walter was given an insight into the ETL operation by Ken Crook ETL's Managing Director, and received a presentation by ETL's Ministry of Defence Project Manager, Philip Scantlebury, describing some of the work that ETL has been involved in recently on behalf of their clients in the UK, US and Europe, and how as project manager, he interacts across the supply chain. Philip also took the opportunity to highlight to Bob the high financial investment the company is forced to make in order to meet the critical timescales set by Urgent Operational Requirements [UORs]. To provide a rapid solution and meet the tight deadlines necessary ETL often have to commission and buy-in components early before an official order is received, only by doing this can they be sure to deliver vital equipment on time, and in some cases, before time!
The visit concluded with a tour of the factory by the Operations Manager, Eric Case who showed Bob some of the equipment in use on the factory floor, emphasising that where possible ETL aim to purchase from UK based companies. He demonstrated the highly skilled work involved in producing component parts for both the British and US Armed Forces.
Said Pip Arnold, ETL's Sales Director 'We were delighted that Bob was able to visit us and to have the opportunity to, not only show him around our operation and share with him some of the vital defence work that we undertake, but also to be able to make him aware, as President of the European Security and Defence Assembly, of the high financial risk SMEs like ourselves face in meeting the obligation".
After his visit Bob Walter, said: "As President of the inter-parliamentary European Security and Defence Assembly, a body of national parliamentarians that scrutinises joint defence missions and defence procurement, it was very interesting today to take an in-depth look at the key role played by one small to medium-sized business in Dorset, both within the UK's defence industry and internationally. It was clear, both from the presentation I received and my tour of the factory floor, that high tech equipment produced by ETL has already played a significant part in supporting our Armed Forces with advanced technology. I am positive that this is a relationship that will continue for many years to come."
ETL's client base includes major international firms such as BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Penny & Giles Aerospace, Marshalls Special Vehicles and Crane Aerospace. In recent years, ETL has manufactured on their behalf, flight data recorders for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, cable harnesses for Challenger tanks, ground test kits for Tornado jets and communications systems for our Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan. Although the defence and aerospace industry makes up a large percentage of ETL's work, the company also manufactures key electronic parts for the medical, marine equipment and communications sector. |
