FAC FEATURED MEMBER
Groveley Precision Engineering strengthens its aerospace position through rigorous quality governance and alignment with emerging industry needs. Backed by AS9100:REV D, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ATEX certification and the SC21 Silver Award, the company demonstrates exceptional reliability and process control. As global aerospace recovery drives demand for legacy platform sustainment, advanced materials machining and consolidated, data-driven supply chains, Groveley’s multi-process capability, agility and high-integrity manufacturing expertise position it as a trusted long-term subcontract partner.
Groveley Precision Engineering: High-Integrity Manufacturing for Aerospace Supply Chains
For more than five decades, Groveley Precision Engineering has carved out a strong position within the UK’s aerospace and defence supply chain. Based in Christchurch, Dorset, the company specialises in high-accuracy machining for safety-critical components used in braking systems, landing-gear mechanisms, structural subsystems and other assemblies where reliability and repeatability cannot be compromised.
Groveley’s core value lies in its ability to deliver tight-tolerance, small-to-medium batch components in demanding materials — Inconel, stainless steels, high-grade carbon steels, titanium, aluminium alloys and friction materials. For aerospace primes and Tier 1 suppliers seeking dependable subcontract capability, the company offers a blend of precision, flexibility and quality governance that is increasingly rare.
The company also holds the SC21 Silver Award, signalling unparalleled performance in on-time delivery, quality consistency and continuous improvement. 88700 parts completed on time without a single return in the last 12 months.
Aerospace Capability Built on Precision and Range
Groveley operates a broad suite of CNC turning and milling centres, supported by innovative tooling solutions and finishing processes that allow it to maintain tolerances in the micron range. Along with a comprehensive CAD/CAM (Edgecam) software suite, this multi-process environment lets the company deliver:
- Close-tolerance turned parts for brake and landing-gear systems
- Complex milled geometries for structural and systems components including splines
- Matched-surface and ground features requiring uniform contact behaviour
- High-integrity parts machined from difficult materials, including titanium, Inconel and friction media
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Crucially, Groveley supports both contemporary platforms and long-service aircraft where spare parts often require low-volume, high-precision manufacture long after original production lines have closed. This places the company in a valuable niche that large OEMs and Tier 1s rarely service efficiently.
Beyond machining, Groveley provides value-added services including 3D modelling, production support, 3D printing for prototyping, laser marking, and the ability to deliver fully finished, treated, inspected and certified components.
Quality Governance as a Competitive Edge
For aerospace manufacturing, certification is the gateway to participation. Groveley’s AS9100:REV D accreditation – alongside ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 and ATEX flameproof certification – ensures compliance with the rigorous quality, traceability and process-control requirements that define aerospace supply chains.
These recognitions along with SC21 elevate Groveley above many SME competitors and reinforce its suitability for high-reliability manufacturing environments.
Process control is central to Groveley’s operational culture, underpinned by structured inspection routines, calibrated metrology, CMM capability and a “right-first-time” production ethos.
A Supplier Well Positioned for Industry Trends
With global aerospace recovery accelerating and supply chains seeking dependable, technically capable subcontractors, Groveley’s positioning is favourable.
Key industry drivers aligned with Groveley’s strengths:
- Legacy platform sustainment: Increasing global demand for bespoke, low-volume spares.
- Advanced materials machining: Growing use of titanium, Inconel and high-integrity steels.
- Supply-chain consolidation: Preference for suppliers offering multi-process, end-to-end capability.
- Digital and data-driven manufacturing: Need for enhanced traceability and real-time process reporting.
For an SME, challenges remain — including investment in next-generation CNC technology, attracting skilled machinists, and competing with lower-cost economies. Yet Groveley’s agility, diversified capability set, and strong compliance credentials counterbalance these pressures.
A Precision Specialist Supporting the Future of Flight
Groveley Precision Engineering may not be the largest player in the aerospace supply chain, but it fulfils a crucial role: providing high-integrity, precision components that support both legacy and modern aircraft platforms.
In a sector defined by stringent standards, complex materials and increasing supply-chain scrutiny, Groveley exemplifies the type of trusted, technically capable subcontractor that aerospace manufacturers rely on — quietly enabling safety, reliability and continuity across the lifecycle of flight-critical systems. This is sustained through an apprenticeship program enabling Groveley continue to service the sector for many years to come, whilst giving young people the opportunity to work within the exciting world of aerospace engineering.
