AETC Limited is the UK division of PCC Airfoils. LLC. whose corporate headquarters are based in Portland Oregon, USA. PCC are the worlds largest manufacturer of airfoil components for the aerospace and power generation markets.

AETC was acquired by PCC mid 1996 and since the acquisition has experienced significant investment and growth within the production of airfoil components.

AETC Precision Casting Facility specialises in the production of gas path components - rotating blades, stationary nozzle guide vanes, 360 degree airfoil vane rings and structural heat shields used in the gas path section. These are produced from data provided by the customers, and via the lost wax process, precision castings are produced in either single crystal (SX), directionally solid (DS) or equi-axed casting grain structure formation.

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The company was originally formed in 1947, as a subsidiary of Hepworth and Grandage Ltd. A British owned specialist manufacturer of precision components for reciprocating engines. The company was to specialise in sub contract machining for Armstrong Sidley.

Success generated rapid growth of demand and the customer base increased significantly to warrant a different approach to the business. In 1950 the decision was taken by Hepworth and Grandage to set up a separate business operation and re-locate to the present site which is occupied today.

For more than 20 years the company specialised entirely in the machining of compressor blades, turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes produced from wrought bar stock, with the components being made from either Nickel based or Titanium alloys.

In the 1960s new higher technology alloys were being developed across Europe for the production of turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes. In 1969 a precision casting facility was opened alongside the machining shops giving the company a “raw materials to finished engine ready product capability”, which was unique in Europe and which met the new demands. The precision casting business grew over the next twenty years and in 1989, the machining shops located to a new site allowing the casting facility to more than double in size. Sales have increased ever since and the casting facility is now the largest contributor to AETC’s turnover.

AETC has established some of the most comprehensive facilities amongst the worlds independent suppliers of hot section airfoil components for gas turbine engines. A continuous capital investment programme in plant, machinery and new process technology maintains AETC’s leading edge capability in the manufacture of airfoil components. Today AETC employs approximately 600 people over a three site operation collectively occupying 400,000 sq ft floor space. Two sites are situated in West Yorkshire adjacent to the Leeds and Bradford International Airport at Yeadon. This is also the company headquarters. The third site is situated approximately 100 miles further south in Leicester and specialises in the machining processes for Nozzle Guide Vanes, a substantial part of the companies machining business.

AETC’s range of component manufacturing is unique in the world. It comprises the ability to precision cast and machine turbine airfoils in both Nickel and Cobalt based alloys to engine ready conditions.

The many complex chemical, mechanical and thermal ancillary processes required by modern gas airfoil components are encompassed within AETC’s “Total Airfoil Capability”.

Within the casting facility stringent quality controls are in place together with its own UKAS approved laboratory. This allows for metallurgical destructive testing to be performed to secure process validation approvals and screen quality on an ongoing basis to maintain the highest standards of product integrity. Stress rupture, mechanical creep at ambient and elevated temperatures is also performed in house. The latest international quality controls of Nadcap have been obtained for NDT inspection and chemical processing. AETC’s precision casting technology and expertise is now fully integrated within the airfoils casting technology of PCC of which PCC is the world’s leading specialist.

AETC Yorkshire facilities are based in Yeadon, within a 2 minute drive from Leeds Bradford Airport, situated near the local historical village of Yeadon which was a clothing and mill town in the 19th century.

AETC Yorkshire plant is about 10 minutes drive from Leeds City Centre. Leeds boasts a rich creative heritage. It hosts events such as the annual Leeds International Concert Season and Leeds International Film Festival and showcases outstanding productions and performances at venues like the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds Grand Theatre and Leeds Town Hall. It is the only English city outside London with its own opera and ballet companies.

Whether its for business or leisure, the Leeds lifestyle has a lot to offer. With over 100 bars, 25 night clubs and 75 restaurants in the city centre alone, Leeds is famous for its vibrant night life and cultural scene. Leeds is the Knightsbridge of the North with designer stores, independent boutiques, high street favourites and market bargains all within easy walking distance. The city centre is also home to the Royal Armouries museum and Leeds Art Gallery, with the stately homes of Harewood House and Lotherton Hall just a short journey away. world renowned sports venues and our close proximity to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales are just a few of the many attractions that bring over 11 million visitors to Leeds every year

AETC’s NGV facility is based in South Wigston, approximately 5 miles from the vibrant city of Leicester.

Leicester offers the variety of chic city style mixed with picturesque and historical countryside and its multi cultural population has created a unique blend of the past and the present day, giving Leicester a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The city offers excellent shopping opportunities, from individual boutiques to the newly developed Highcross shopping centre. This along with a variety of sporting teams, top class restaurants, bars and nightclubs, vibrant festivals and world class performing arts facilities makes Leicester a city full of fun and discovery for all age groups.

The wider county of Leicestershire provides sleepy villages steeped in history, rolling landscapes and beautiful, traditional market towns. Amongst the county’s many attractions are The National Space Centre, Belvoir Castle, Bosworth Battlefield, Snibston Discovery Park and Twycross Zoo.