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Ford Aerospace specialise in Precision Machined Aerospace Components and Precision Shims.

As our name suggests we do a great deal of work for the aerospace sector, we also support other hi-tech industries such as the automotive, defence, marine and rail sectors.

Offering exceptional levels of service, quick turnaround delivery, performance and quality, we are proud to be part of the global SPIROL Group.

Focused on keeping the world moving safely, Ford Aerospace is a trusted supplier for the world’s most respected OEMs.

Why work with Ford Aerospace?

  • We use our expansive in-house, value-added processes to maintain control over quality, cost and lead time.
  • We employ state-of-the-art production technologies to optimise product quality and consistency.
  • We provide first-in-class precision engineered component solutions.
  • We supply, mission-critical components to the most respected companies in the aerospace, defence, astronautical, specialty automotive, industrial and other high-tech industries.

Mission and Vision

Our mission is to keep people around the world moving safely.

Every part we make goes on a moving mechanical assembly and provides an essential role to keep equipment reliable, resilient and safe. Our strategies and team members are guided by our core values of:

  • Customer Focus
  • Openness
  • Reliability
  • Integrity

Meet the team

Working together to deliver excellence.

Here at Ford Aerospace, we work together to deliver success. Meet some our team members.

Jakub Ptacnik,

Sales Application Specialist

A skilled Sales Manager with proven experience in the aerospace sector, Jakub joined the team in 2024. With a passion for the role, Jakub can often be found representing the company at a wide range of events and exhibitions, including ADS Toulouse Annual Event and Paris International Air Show.

Nicola Ford,

Commercial Manager

Nicola oversees the commercial and customer services team at Ford Aerospace. With a strong background in supplier and customer relations, Nicola is focused on delivering success. Her team works closely with all areas of the business to deliver solutions for our broad customer base.

Nathan McCully,

Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager

Nathan first joined Ford Aerospace as an intern in 2016, working his way through the ranks to be appointed QHSE Manager. He works closely with internal and external customers to ensure exacting standards are consistently met and maintained. Heading up a team of 11, Nathan is an integral member of the senior leadership team.

Leanne Hume,

HR Manager

Providing strategic and operational HR direction, Leanne has been instrumental in developing Ford Aerospace’s people culture. A skills champion, she has also forged excellent relationships with the local community and educational bodies including Gateshead College and South Tyneside College, both of whom offer Ford Aerospace Apprenticeship Academy engineering courses. Leanne sits on the board of the North East Institute of Technology.

Karl Dambers,

Operations Manager

Karl is responsible for managing daily operations here at Ford Aerospace. Ensuring activities are aligned with our organisational goals and objectives, he is a champion of 6S lean manufacturing methodology, effectively and efficiently planning production schedules to maximise workflows and meet exacting standards.

Contact us

Got a query please contact a member of the team to find out more.

Have a question?

We are here to help! | Please give us a call on +44 (0) 191 454 0141 or complete the following form.

Our Heritage

2025 Timeline

2025

Team hosts its first global sales meeting in Newcastle and South Shields. A chance to share best practice and discuss future developments. It was wonderful to welcome so many colleagues to the north east facility and show them around our amazing region.

2023 Timeline

2023

Ford Aerospace continues to demonstrate its expertise in Precision Shims and Machined Aerospace Components and becomes part of the global SPIROL group.

2010 Timeline

2010

A momentous year, as Ford Aerospace celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

1982 Timeline

1982

The 1980’s brings further expansion, as the company moves into the aerospace market and invests in a new process to manufacture laminated peelable shim stock.

1967 Timeline

1967

Focused on innovation, the team develop a low-cost tooling technique (LCT) to manufacture thin gauge metal shims.

1943 Timeline

1943

The company begins its long association with the military sector, altering production to supply thousands of parts to be used in the allied war effort.

1943 Timeline

1910

The origins of Ford Aerospace go back over a century to 1910 when the company’s founder Robert Ford set-up Ford & Co in South Shields, England. The company specialised in corrugated steam joints.

FAQs

We specialise in Laminated Shim Products. We manufacture them in a wide range of metallic and non-metallic materials includes aluminium, stainless steel and brass. We also produce Shims in non-metallic materials such as polyester and polymide.