News Release

Ericsson Saab Avionics AB extends its fifteen-year relationship with Poeton

May 2001

 
When Sweden's Ericsson Saab Avionics prepared for production manufacture of the fist fourth generation of military aircraft, the JAS 39 Gripen in 1986 the company's engineers needed to find a reliable supplier to provide chrome plating for key components in the aircraft's servo actuators.

After evaluation of companies in Sweden and abroad, Poeton Industries, a world leader in surface coating technology, was selected. Since then, the business relationship between the two companies has blossomed and Ericsson Saab Avionics recently placed a substantial order for components for the next production of JAS 39 Gripen aircraft.

Commenting on the fifteen-year relationship Goran Svensson, project manager, for control systems in Ericsson Saab Avionics airborne equipment division say: "The decision to source from Poeton was taken after visiting a number of different companies and countries. In the end it was the quality, price and service provided by Poeton's Southampton facility that attracted us to the UK."

Since the initial contract for chrome plating, Poeton now plates other components for Ericsson Saab Avionics and provides shot peening and heat treatment services in what Goran Svensoon describes as "a very convenient single source contract."

The JAS 39 Gripen components are produced on a dedicated production line in Southampton, which was installed following a lengthy development programme that included testing; and plating and pre-production trials.

Says Goran Svensoon: "Our engineers were impressed with the accuracy Poeton achieved on the hard chrome plating of the 15.5 stainless steel components for the servo actuators."

As Poeton business development manager Trevor Amos explains: "We apply a substantial layer of chrome using a special procedure we have developed for controlling the accuracy of the coating."

He says the procedure, which was designed, manufactured, tested and put into production by Poeton's own tooling department, achieves significant savings on both coating and grinding costs; and adds that few companies in the world can achieve Poeton's standard of accuracy.

To discuss sample part processing or technical advice for your surface treatment requirements, call Poeton Industries now on 01452 300500.