Newbury-based Progressive Technology and Innovate 2 Make (i2M) from Birmingham have merged to form Progressive Technology – Advanced Manufacturing. The new company will create an end-to-end supply chain solution for customers looking for low to medium volume production of complex components that are typically found in high performance environments. Industries such as medical, aerospace and Formula 1 are set to benefit from greater control in quality and reduced lead times.
Ross Pinchin, managing director of Progressive Technology, called the merger a “bold move” and a “natural progression of a working relationship that has been in place for a couple of years now.”
“By bringing the two firms together we’ve created – what we believe – is the largest single source full service machining and metal 3D printing solution in the UK,” he continued.
Ross’ father established Progressive Technology in 1977, and since then the company has grown from a small toolmaking business into a critical supplier to Formula 1, supplying 80% of the teams on the grid.
Innovate 2 Make’s director Mike Kelly said, “We can now offer the end user a complete service, from using metal 3D printing in the initial production of the component to tapping into Progressive Technology’s fantastic capabilities in Newbury.”
Since its launch in 2012, Kelly and his colleague Ian Campbell have turned i2M into a leading producer of prototypes and low volume products for the aerospace, automotive, defence, F1 and medical sectors. It is one of few companies in the country with access to two EOS M280 400 watt laser melting platforms, along with full materials laboratory and inspection unit.
Progressive Technology – Advanced Manufacturing will use the combined forces of the two companies to look to secure additional work within Formula 1 and open its doors into new markets. Ian Campbell has already formed a spinoff company focused on the cycling sector, with the aim of using 3D printing to create highly engineered lightweight parts without the need for cost-intensive tooling.
