Increasing use of composite structures represents a major growth opportunity for Retrac Group, one of the UK technology companies exhibiting in the Motorsport Valley pavilion at Farnborough.
Currently Retrac's composites business is almost exclusively focused on Formula 1 motor racing - it makes composite components such as aerofoils and suspension wishbones for a number of the leading teams.
But managing director Andy Carter says he is looking for aerospace business: "It's a big growth area for us."
A first manufacturing deal is for lightweight seat backs for fully reclining first-class seats. Airline operators have called for major weight savings from interiors suppliers, and composites, though expensive, can provide a valid solution.
Focused
Formed in 1972, Swindon-based Retrac has two divisions: Retrac Composites and Retrac Productions. This business is primarily focused on making moulds and patterns for companies that make metal and composites parts, and its business is split 50:50 between aerospace and automotive customers.
"We're here at Farnborough because there's a lot of crossover in our business," says Carter. "Not many companies can offer expertise in both composites and metal parts."
There are key differences between the aerospace and motor sport businesses, Carter believes. Motor racing teams demand faster turnaround from design to manufacture, and Retrac's ability to work quickly can benefit aerospace customers, he says.
Source: Flight Daily News
