en.Wedoany.com Reported - Acres Engineering, a UK-based company, has completed the design and delivery of its first batch of specially tailored safety-critical products, which will be used to enhance the production capacity of the British Army's new "Boxer" armored vehicles. Headquartered in Melbourne and with operations in Derbyshire, the company is a recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise.
The products delivered by Acres Engineering include specialized equipment such as engine stands and driver's hatch trolleys, enabling armored vehicle manufacturer Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) to increase production capacity and accelerate the delivery of hundreds of Boxer vehicles to the British Army. This eight-wheeled all-terrain armored transport vehicle will become the UK's new Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV). The company has collaborated with RBSL for many years, but this project marks their first involvement with the Boxer program, with further cooperation under discussion.
The first British-made Boxer vehicle was delivered last year from RBSL's Telford facility to the Armored Trials Unit in Bovington. The entire Boxer program supports 1,000 highly skilled jobs and involves over 100 suppliers. Approximately 75% of the components in each British-made Boxer vehicle come from UK companies, aligning with the government's strategic goal of developing and sustaining the UK's defense industry.
Andrew McMahon Stone, Manufacturing Engineer at RBSL, stated that they appreciate working with Acres Engineering because the company understands their needs and is highly reliable. As a UK-based company, this reliability is a significant advantage for defense project delivery, helping RBSL enhance its delivery capabilities to the British Army.
Acres Engineering is one of only 186 companies to receive the King's Award for Enterprise this year and has earned the Armed Forces Gold Covenant status for supporting veterans, reservists, and military families through employment and other means. This custom turnkey manufacturer, with capabilities in tube and plate laser cutting, waterjet cutting, powder coating, electromechanical assembly, load testing, and repair, has become one of a growing number of manufacturers in the UK and Europe involved in defense product production.
Managing Director Luke Parker stated that the company is very proud to be a supplier to RBSL and to have successfully delivered these specially tailored products to help increase the production rate of Boxer vehicles. As a UK turnkey manufacturer, they are fully capable of this work. Founded in 1947, shortly after World War II, Acres has continuously adapted to changing market demands. As an Armed Forces Gold Covenant holder, it is only natural to support the British Army's advanced equipment with their products.
In May of this year, Buckingham Palace announced that Acres Engineering had received the King's Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity, making it the only company in Derbyshire to receive this honor, recognizing the company's deep commitment to its employees through its "People First Promise." The company has also helped many people gain skilled employment in the metal fabrication industry by providing over 100 apprenticeship positions, conducting company-wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and running extensive outreach programs including work placements and school open days.
