Element Materials Technology, which specialises in testing, inspection, and certification services, has acquired Filton Systems Engineering (FSE), an aerospace engineering firm with hydrogen capability.
Element said the move was a significant step in advancing its capabilities in the digital engineering and aerospace sectors.
The acquisition of FSE adds to Element’s Digital Engineering Business Unit. Formed in 2022, Element Digital Engineering is an engineering and technology service provider.
FSE’s expertise in systems engineering, safety and reliability, design along with simulation and modelling complement and strengthen Element’s offering across the complete product development cycle.
Element and Filton Systems Engineering
Headquartered in Bristol, UK, FSE, specialises in designing fuel, air, hydraulic, inerting and engine systems. The business delivers solutions from concept to manufacture and provides a single source for system mechanical design, simulation, analysis, prototyping, technical writing, and testing.
The company, with its team of 50 experts, has extensive expertise including gaseous and liquid hydrogen.
Notably, FSE boasts a dedicated facility in Kemble, UK, featuring an in-house-designed and constructed hydrogen liquefaction plant.
The addition of FSE to Element will also expand the company’s presence in the UK defence sector. FSE has established relationships with several UK defence prime contractors complementing Element’s existing experience in the sector ensuring equipment is safe to operate in the harshest of environments.
The acquisition marks Element’s 50th acquisition in its short history since 2011. It has grown from 860 people to 9,000 people today working across 270 locations in 30 countries.
Matt Hopkinson, EVP of EMEAA at Element, said: “The acquisition of FSE underscores our commitment to global innovation and expanding our digital capabilities. It 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.”
Ben Richardson, co-founder of FSE, added: “We are hugely excited about the opportunities Element will bring to FSE. John (co-founder of FSE) and I are extremely proud of what we and the team have achieved in the past 11 years and the decision to change a successful structure was not taken lightly.
However, 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.“
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