Axillium-managed aerospace & automotive innovation programme ASCEND wins ATI Team award for Collaboration and Partnership
- £36m ASCEND programme on Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development wins prestigious ATI Team Award
- Axillium managed the collaboration of 15 project partners in the programme
- The programme has driven multi-partner innovations that will shape the future of high-rate production for civil aircraft and future mobility markets
Daventry, UK, 8th Oct, 2024 – The work of Axillium, a leading provider of innovation management services across industrial and government sectors, has today been recognised in the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) annual awards.
The ‘Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development’ (ASCEND) programme is centrally managed by Axillium Research, with its collaboration and Project Management Office support being at the heart of the the ATI Team Award for collaboration and partnership. The award was presented today at the ATI Conference at the ICC Wales, Newport (8th-9th October).
Launched in 2021 and led by GKN Aerospace, ASCEND is a four-year £36 million industry and government-funded programme to advance the development of high rate, manufacturing of composite technologies for the aerospace and automotive industries. Focused on automation, design for manufacture and skills development, the programme is committed to delivering sustainable technologies that reduce manufacturing costs and carbon footprints while enhancing production capabilities.
ASCEND is led by GKN Aerospace and includes 15 project partners: Airborne, Assyst Bulmer, Cygnet Texkimp, Syensqo, DES Composites, FAR-UK, Hexcel, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, NCC, Rafinex and Sigmatex, with collaboration managed by Axillium Research.
Axillium’s involvement was instrumental from the inception of the programme, from securing industrial and government funding to identifying industrial partners.
Programme management and stakeholder collaboration for the duration of ASCEND programme has also been provided by Axillium using its proprietary e-Volution framework to support the multi-partner collaboration.
Craig Carr, Technology Director of Integrated Composite Structures at GKN Aerospace said, “It’s great to see the ASCEND project recognised by the ATI’s Team Project award for successful collaboration and partnership. Since the inception of the ASCEND project, Axillium have provided an independent and focussed project management team, with deep understanding of the UK’s industrial and funding bodies. Axillium not only helped deliver a successful project application, they also helped ensure successful delivery of the project, using their structured innovation management support to orchestrate 15 collaboration partners. Partnering with Axillium on ASCEND has enabled GKN Aerospace to expand its technology eco-system whilst also successfully building national capability for composites within our UK supply-chain.”
Key projects delivered by the ASCEND programme to date include digital toolsets for design optimisation, materials development for bonded assemblies, self-heated, sustainable tooling demonstrating high-rate deposition and forming capability for both aerospace and automotive sectors.
Will Searle, Executive Chairman of Axillium said, “We’re delighted that the successful collaboration and partnership of the GKN Aerospace-led ASCEND programme has been recognised with the prestigious ATI Team Award. Convening diverse companies and facilitating multi-partner innovation is vital to the UK’s competitive advantage – and also to solving national and global challenges through collaboration.
At Axillium, we’ve codified over 20 years’ experience of B2B and B2G innovation management into our e-Volution framework. This ATI Team Award for collaboration and partnership recognises how effective the Axillium model is, the pioneering leadership of GKN Aerospace and the tremendous contribution of all ASCEND partners. We look forward to continuing to support the ASCEND programme ahead of its conclusion in 2025 and to its long-term contribution to a more sustainable manufacturing future.”
About Axillium: https://www.axillium.com/
Established in 2007, Axillium is a leading provider of innovation management services for industry and government sectors. The team encompasses best practice methodology and support services to help organisations of all sizes and sectors execute and manage their innovation from conception to go-to-market.
By combining the individual strengths of the UK’s private sector, academia, supply chain, and government support, Axillium helps to connect brilliant minds to unlock the UK’s innovation potential. Axillium’s innovation management services and the expertise of its team drives next-generation technology to market – enhancing UK jobs, national security, industrial strategy, and UK economic growth.
For more information and interviews, please contact:
Cat Lenheim, Associate Partner, ThoughtLDR: cat@thoughtldr.com
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Our unrivalled products, systems, and services are integral to 90% of today’s commercial and defence aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.
Our commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology is evident in the application of lightweight composites, additive fabrication, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and groundbreaking engine systems, reducing both weight and cost in today’s aircraft and engines. GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable technology, developing breakthrough solutions to achieve emission-free flight. Our global technology centres collaborate with industry partners around the world to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight.
Operating in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace employs a workforce of 16,000 employees across more than 30 locations. GKN Aerospace has global sales of £3.4bn and is listed under its parent company name Melrose Industries PLC (LSE:MRO).
For further information, please contact:
Marianne Mulder, Media Director, GKN Aerospace Mobile: +31 6 51311217. Email: marianne.mulder@fokker.com
