News Release: April 2005

Avure Technologies AB and Smiths Aerospace Mechanical Systems - Aerostructures are pleased to announce that Avure's "QFL" series Flexform press will be installed at Smiths' new Aerospace facility in Suzhou, China.

The new facility, managed by Smiths' manufacturing manager Mr. Mark Simmonds, represents a milestone in the company's aggressive competitive strategy to produce high quality, lower cost formed parts. The new facility will compliment the existing production capability in the UK, allowing specialization of production in the most appropriate location. Image

Avure's QFL series Flexform press will enable Smiths to produce a wide range of formed parts, many to finished specification without re-work. The press combines high cycle speed, 800 Bar forming pressure and simple operation to enable lower cost-per-part production than previously possible.

Avure's UK sales manager Mr. Nigel Rogers commented, "We look forward to seeing our Flexform press in operation in China later this year. The competitive nature of the Aerospace market has driven the demand for lower cost formed parts to higher quality and repeatability. We have been very pleased with the reports from other users of our QFL series press, all of whom praise the reliability and significant cost-advantages it brings. We are sure that Smiths will benefit greatly from their purchase."

Mr. Mark Simmonds commented, "Our new facility in Suzhou, China represents part of the Smiths strategy to provide our customers with a total solution inclusive of low cost sourcing. The QFL press adds an important capability to the Suzhou facility to enable our product portfolio to grow."

Avure Technologies AB; world leader in (ASEA) Flexform presses for the Aerospace industry.