Two second year apprentice maintenance technicians have designed and produced a bespoke piece of machinery for North East based precision shim manufacturer – Ford Aerospace.
The new installation which will be used to dry metallic parts ranging in size from 15mm diameter to 110mm diameter has been developed by Chloe Wells and Joe Baker, who proposed the project after they identified cost saving and production benefits of creating a new in-house piece of equipment.
Chloe and Joe managed the whole process including the production of detailed project plans, costings and the build itself.
Ideal for use with parts which are too small for conventional drying processes, it uses maize to dry the products – which was another critical element the pair had to take into consideration so not to create any slip hazards.
Working with their colleague Matty Wilson and with the support of their line manager, the project went from concept to go-live in just four weeks.
Manufactured to stringent requirements the new dryer which works by simultaneously rotating and sifting parts is now fully operational and is being trialled in line with business requirements.
John Storey, maintenance technician team leader said: “Both Chloe and Joe have demonstrated incredible initiative with this project. Everything from their initial ideas to the way the team have worked together to develop the project plans, to the installation has been excellent.”
“The finished product is absolutely fantastic and testament to their hard work and commitment.”
A superb example of an apprenticeship project in action, Chloe will be joining the Ford Aerospace team at Farnborough Air Show on Friday 24 July to discuss her experience of working as an apprentice technician for the aerospace manufacturer. She will also be joined by fellow apprentice Finn Taylor who will be sharing details of projects he has been working on.
Chloe added: “The idea came about after working on a different project, as we realised it could complement another process. I have really enjoyed the build as well as project managing the development.
“I am really excited to be attending Farnborough too. I have heard lots about the show and have supported the marketing team with building stands in the past, so it will be fantastic to see the event in person.”
Mike Eggleston, general manager at Ford Aerospace said:
“Our apprentices really are pioneers of tomorrow, and I’m delighted that Chloe and CNC Turning apprentice Finn will be joining the team at Farnborough International Airshow this year. It will be a great opportunity for them to network with their peers and to learn more about the industry we manufacture parts for.”
A long standing champion of apprenticeships, Ford Aerospace has its own Apprenticeship Academy which it operates in collaboration with Gateshead College and South Tyneside College.
The company employs 13 apprentices in a range of roles throughout the business including production, maintenance and quality.
The Ford Aerospace team will be exhibiting at Farnborough International Air Show 2026 Booth #2511 Hall 2.
Ford Aerospace specialises in precision shims and machined aerospace components for the aerospace industry and other high-technology sectors.
Established in 1910, the company has forged excellent relationships with the world’s leading Primes and OEMs to supply legacy, spares and components, a combination of make-to-print and industry standard components in quantities ranging from 1 off to 100,000.
