Testing, inspection and certification services provider Element has acquired UK-based Filton Systems Engineering to strengthen its aerospace, digital and hydrogen testing capabilities.
Filton Systems Engineering (FSE) is a Bristol, UK-based engineering and testing services firm that works with clients in the aerospace, oil and gas, water and renewable energy industries. The company, which employs 50 people, specializes in fluid systems such as fuel and hydraulics and provides system mechanical design, simulation, analysis, prototyping, technical writing, and testing.
Recently the company has developed liquid hydrogen testing capabilities, seen as difficult because of the cryogenic plant required and worked with aerospace companies developing hydrogen propulsion such as ZeroAvia and GKN.
The company has a dedicated facility in Kemble, UK which features an in-house-designed and constructed hydrogen liquefaction plant.
FSE will join Element’s Digital Engineering Business Unit which was formed last year.
Ben Richardson, commercial director and co-founder of FSE said, “We have worked side-by-side with Element on multiple qualification programs and recognize the capability and professionalism with which they operate. Equally as important is their approach and attitude to their staff, customers, and new engineering challenges.
“We have huge confidence in the capability of our engineers as we take this next step and transition from a small business to a contender in the global marketplace.“
In addition, the acquisition of FSE is Element’s 50th since it was founded in 2011. The company has grown from 860 people to 9,000 people today working across 270 locations in 30 countries.
Matt Hopkinson, executive vice president of Europe Middle East Africa and Asia at Element, said, “The acquisition of FSE broadens the scope and scale of our digital engineering services, allowing our customers to take advantage of our engineering services alongside our traditional expertise in testing.
“Today, we are positioned as a comprehensive provider that supports design and innovation across the entire product lifecycle – from strategic planning and R&D to execution, ultimately ensuring the safe and successful introduction of products to the market and end-users.”
