AB Connectors contract win creates 40 new jobs
Abercynon-based AB Connectors has won a £2 million contract to supply equipment to Thales UK’s new vehicle integration centre in West Wales, resulting in the creation of 40 new high-skilled jobs.
The new Thales centre in Llangennech, near Llanelli, which opened last November, specialises in the hi-tech fit out of complex vehicles, including the Ministry of Defence’s new fleet of Warthog all-terrain tracked armoured vehicles.
AB Connectors has an established reputation as one of the market leaders in design, test and manufacture of harsh environment interconnection systems, bespoke harness assemblies and connectors. Its equipment is used by the defence, aerospace and the traction (railway) industries, and is specifically designed for use in harsh environments.
Part of the TT Electronics Group, AB Connectors is supplying cabling and harnessing systems, as well as racking systems to house communications equipment for more than 100 Warthog vehicles destined for the Afghanistan theatre of operations.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, has welcomed the news, saying that the investment by Thales is bringing benefits to the wider economy. "Thales UK stated that it was keen to source materials locally, and to develop and build up a local supply chain where possible. I am pleased to hear that it is certainly doing that. The significant contract awarded to AB Connectors is excellent news as it has already created 40 new jobs and opens the door for potentially more business."
Managing Director of AB Connectors Tony Lewis says the company is working closely with Thales UK to provide a first-class service. "It is a prestigious contract and we are delighted to have been selected as a preferred contractor to Thales UK for cabling and connecting systems."
"It is not only an important contract for our business financially but it means we have been able to create new jobs and take on a significant number of people locally to service the contract, which is great news for the valley."
"We have benefited from training support from the Welsh Assembly Government, which is really important as cabling is a highly specialised area and we have also had support to invest in state of the art machining equipment. That support is now bearing fruit and has given us a competitive edge that has proved to be a massive advantage."
In addition to the AB Connectors contract, Thales is using a number of other locally based companies to service their Llanelli site, including Runtech Ltd, iCreate, Crane Aid, Gwent Mechanical Handling, EG Lewis and Control Gear
Alex Cresswell, head of Thales UK’s land defence business, says: "We look forward to working with AB Connectors, and other highly capable companies based in the area, to deliver this valuable capability to the UK Armed Forces. The Warthog vehicle, with its installed electronic systems, represents a very significant military capability."
The Connectors Division of TT Electronics plc comprises AB Connectors in Wales, along with manufacturing and design facilities in North Carolina (USA), Suzhou (China) and New Chapel Electronics aerospace harnessing company in Gloucester-shire (UK).
AB Connectors carries out the research and development of new materials and pro-cesses, surface treatments and the very latest manufacturing technology and techniques in-house
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Background information on Warthog:
In December 2008 the UK MoD announced the award of a contract worth over £150m to ST Kinetics to convert 100+ Bronco all-terrain vehicles into Warthog vehicles for the UK Armed Forces. (Bronco is currently in service with the Singapore Armed Forces.)
Warthog will come in four variants: a troop carrier; an ambulance; a command vehicle; and a repair and recovery vehicle. The ambulance variant will be capable of carrying casualties, medics and kit. Warthog’s repair and recovery variant will be fitted with a crane and winch, and will have the capability of towing another Warthog vehicle back from the front line.
Warthog will be powered by a 7.2-litre engine, producing 350bhp, and will be able to move through water - all while carrying up to 11 troops and offering advanced armoured protection. When not in the water, the highly agile, all-terrain vehicle will be able to climb steep gradients, cling to severe slopes, tackle vertical obstacles and roll across trenches.
In August 2009 Thales UK was awarded a contract to equip these vehicles with key mission systems as part of an MoD Urgent Operational Requirement programme. The contract covers the installation of UK-specific equipment to the vehicles (additional armour, specialist electronic counter-measure equipment and communica-tion tools) to bring them in line with UK theatre-entry requirements.
In November 2009 the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, opened Thales UK’s new vehicle integration facility in Llangennech where the vehicles are currently being fitted out.
About AB Connectors
AB Connectors was founded in 1935 in London as AB Metal Products and moved to Wales after WWII. In 1976 the business diversified from manufacturing metal components for domestic appliances into military electronic components before being renamed as AB Connectors Ltd. In 1993 TT electronics acquired the AB Electronics Group PLC and with it AB Connectors.
Press contact:
AB Connectors
Claire Ryan Marketing Co-ordinator
Telephone: 01443-743454
About Thales and Thales UK
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2009 the company generated revenues of £11.5 billion (12.9 billion euros) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equip-ment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.
Thales UK employs 8,500 staff based at 40 locations. In 2009 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.5 billion.
Press contact:
Thales UK
Kathryn Bell
Mob: +44 7813 903274
Email: kathryn.bell@thalesgroup.com
www.thalesgroup.com/uk
In March 2010 Gordon Graham was proudly appointed position of Divisional Sales Director. Holding 24 years experience with other leading connector manufacturing companies, ITT Cannon, Molex and Burndy / Souriau. Gordon holds both Holden and Miller Heinman Strategic Selling training with 15 years spent working and developing strategic accounts.
“The recent economy has seen some difficult times. A significant part of which being within the automotive market. However, it was clear to me that the new leadership team held a clear vision for TT group with AB Connectors, New Chapel Electronics and AB Interconnect a core part of the future growth strategy.
The focus on land based militiary, traction, aerospace, industrial markets and distribution coupled with alignment to the strategic accounts will optimise the opportunities allowing TT electronics to grow above the market rate.
This is an exciting time to join TT. I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to develop the strategic accounts, helping to shape the business further in 2010.”
Gordon Graham
Board Change
TT electronics plc is pleased to announce that Sean Watson has been appointed non-executive Chairman following the Annual General Meeting to be held in May. Sean will succeed John Newman, who today announces his intention to retire as non-executive Chairman and from the Board following the AGM.
Sean Watson is a corporate partner at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, a major City law firm. He has been a non-executive Director of TT electronics since November 2007 and his extensive experience of the City and all areas of corporate law has proved valuable to the Group. Sean was also a non-executive director of Informa plc between 2000 and 2009.
John Newman was appointed Chief Executive of TT electronics in 1987 following the acquisition of a company in which he was a major shareholder. After assuming the role of executive Chairman in 1989, John became non-executive Chairman in September 2009. The Board would like to thank John for his huge contribution over many years and wish him well for the future.
John Newman commented,
"After some 25 years involvement with the Group, and now in my 65th
year, I have decided to retire from the Board. I am confident that the Group is in good hands and it is my intention to remain a major shareholder for the foreseeable future. Sean has already developed strong relationships with the Board and executive management. His experience and knowledge of the business will ensure that the Group continues successfully to deliver on its strategy."
Sean Watson commented:
"I am delighted to have been asked to become Chairman of TT electronics and look forward to dedicating considerable time and effort to leading the Board, working with the executive management and engaging with our shareholders to continue to develop the Group's full potential."
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