Aerospace contracts lift Fife-based company to new heights

The Kirkcaldy-based-business works with a range of metals and plastics to manufacture bespoke components for its customers, including key parts for ejector seats and civil aircraft. It recently became the first company in the UK to acquire a DMG Mori DMU 50 3^rd generation universal machining centre, thanks to a six-figure hire purchase facility from Bank of Scotland.

The new equipment will allow the firm to manufacture more complex and specialised products, broadening the scope of services it can offer clients. As a direct result of its recent investment, Sterling has secured new contracts of up to £250,000 per annum in the aerospace sector.

The company, which recently celebrated 10 years in business, previously operated within the oil and gas industry. The firm’s milestone anniversary was acknowledged by local Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance, who took the opportunity to congratulate the business on its success and pass a motion in parliament to acknowledge the company’s achievements.

Mr Torrance said: “Sterling’s success is testament to its hard work and dedication. It’s excellent to see this Fife company become a key Scottish player in the aerospace field.”

John Mitchell, managing director at Sterling said: “Having the latest machinery on the market has made a huge difference to our business. Not only has it led us to important new contracts but we’re now able to carry out existing work for our longstanding clients much faster.

“We’ve certainly come a long way. My wife and I started the business after buying some machinery from a retiring company. Alongside the machinery, we also took on a couple of the customers and over the years we’ve grown our portfolio of clients. The oil and gas industry has changed a lot in recent years, and the support from the Bank of Scotland has helped us diversify our business offering.”

Charles Davidson, regional manager, Global Transaction Banking, at the Bank of Scotland, added: “Sterling is a great example of a progressive and forward-thinking company and shows just how resilient Scottish businesses can be in changing markets. Our relationship with Sterling has given it the additional support that it needed to successfully diversify its business as we continue to help Britain prosper.”

Sterling Precision Engineering Services www.sterling-precision.co.uk