Local innovative resourcefulness and systainable security
“The Royal Netherlands Air Force runs on local resourcefulness”, according to the recent dissertation of dr. Boskeljon-Horst at the Dutch Defence Academy (NLDA). As the sustainable transition of Defence and Security will require contributions from familiar and new players in the ecosystem, we took up the offer of KMWE, a neighbour of Eindhoven Air Mobility Command, to showcase the local resourcefulness of the Brainport Industries Campus.
In the south-east of the Netherlands adjacent to the perimeter of Eindhoven Airport, the Brainport Industries Campus stands as a symbol of technological progress and innovation. Among the numerous companies that call this vibrant tech hub their home, KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace shine as beacons of excellence in precision Engineering and Aerospace manufacturing technologies. With their rich history and dedication to cutting-edge technology, these two companies are merging to make significant contributions to the defense industry in the Netherlands.
A Legacy in Precision Machining
KMWE Precision has a storied history that dates back over more than 65 years.
Founded in 1955, this private owned Dutch precision engineering company has been at the forefront of innovation in the field of high-tech machining and assembly. Over the years, it has continually evolved, adapting to the changing demands of the Semiconductor, Health-tech, Industrial and Aerospace market with leading OEM’s and Tier 1’s as customers.
Throughout its history, KMWE Precision has played a pivotal role in crafting critical components for these various industries. Their expertise in high-precision manufacturing, including machining of complex materials, has contributed significantly to advancements in technology. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a reputation as a trusted partner for global players in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Aerospace Excellence at KMWE Aerospace
KMWE Aerospace BV, a subsidiary of the KMWE Group, specializes in providing advanced manufacturing solutions for the aerospace sector. Founded in 1996 as Philips Aerospace and latterly changing its name to DutchAero, this offshoot has rapidly grown into a key player in aerospace supply chain solutions. It offers a wide range of services, including precision machining, complex sheet metal applications, and the assembly of aircraft and engine components.
One of KMWE Aerospace’s most significant recent achievements has been its contribution to the F-35 Lightning II program. KMWE Aerospace has been an integral part of the supply chain, delivering essential Aerostructure components and F135 engine parts that ensure the F-35’s performance and reliability.
A major achievement in the Dutch aerospace industry.
Brainport Industries Campus: The Epicenter of Innovation
The Brainport Industries Campus (BIC), where both KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace are located, is a remarkable initiative that has transformed the region into a technological hotspot. This campus fosters collaboration and synergy among various high-tech companies, research institutions, and educational organisations. As part of this dynamic ecosystem, KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace have access to a wealth of resources and talent that they need to achieve their ambitions.
The BIC is located in the Eindhoven Brainport region, known for its innovative spirit and dedication to research and development, ensuring that companies like KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace remain on the cutting edge of technology. Their proximity to renowned research institutes and the Technical University of Eindhoven enables them to tap into the latest advancements in materials, automation, digital manufacturing and sustainable technologies.
The Future of Technology at KMWE
As technology continues to advance, KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace remain committed to staying at the forefront of innovation of manufacturing companies. With a strong focus on sustainability, they are exploring eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce their environmental footprint. Moreover, the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT, AI, and automation, is transforming the manufacturing landscape. KMWE is actively investing in these areas to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Both companies are working on the development of next-generation processes and manufacturing techniques such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) of lightweight and exotic metals. These innovations are expected to play a pivotal role in the defense industry, particularly in the creation of lighter and more durable components for military aircraft and equipment. Aerospace in this field can still be a conservative industry preferring the proven technologies, but they are convinced that this will change rapidly within the next decade in line with the ongoing developments in the innovative high-tech industries and the drive for environmental sustainability.
Contributions to the Defense Industry
The defense industry relies on cutting-edge technology to ensure national security. KMWE Precision and KMWE Aerospace, with their history of precision engineering and commitment to innovation, are well-positioned to make significant contributions.
Their involvement in the F-16, Apache, Stinger and F-35 program are just some of a number of examples of their crucial role in the Dutch defense industry. They are also exploring the market to develop AM advanced components for military helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missile systems. These components and sub-systems are essential for enhancing the performance and reliability of your defense equipment and platforms. They are proud to have this niche legacy, to be part of this challenging Eco-system and are ambitious to make the next steps.
