Rodwell Powell, a Basildon-based precision engineering company with a long-standing legacy in aerospace and defense manufacturing, has made a significant investment of $339,187 to modernize its inspection and quality control operations. The company, which supplies high-precision components to world-renowned manufacturers including Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Caterpillar, says the upgrade marks a major step in its ongoing commitment to engineering excellence and precision.
At the heart of this investment is the acquisition of two next-generation coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) produced by LK Metrology at its Castle Donington facility in Derbyshire. The new machines—the LK Altera C 10.7.5 and the smaller Altera C 7.7.5—are equipped with Renishaw motorized probe heads and the latest CAMIO 2024 R2 metrology software, designed to handle increasingly complex and larger components with unmatched precision and speed.
According to the company, the upgrade was prompted by the growing technical demands of its projects and the need to meet rigorous aerospace and defense standards. The newly revamped inspection department now features a modern, naturally lit quality control room with advanced LED lighting, ergonomic workstations, and improved temperature control—creating an optimal environment for high-accuracy measurements and operator comfort.
“Our investment in LK Metrology’s cutting-edge CMM technology is a game-changer for us,” said Andrew Rodwell, Managing Director of Rodwell Powell. “It not only reinforces our capabilities in aerospace and defense engineering, but also ensures that we continue to meet and exceed the highest industry standards. The new systems will significantly enhance accuracy, increase throughput, and reduce lead times while maintaining our reputation for uncompromising quality.”
Founded in 1951 by John Rodwell, the company’s origins date back to World War II, when its founder’s engineering expertise was instrumental in manufacturing critical tooling and components for the legendary Spitfire fighter aircraft. More than 80 years later, Rodwell Powell has come full circle, once again producing Spitfire axles—this time for specialist restoration projects that blend traditional craftsmanship with advanced measurement and inspection technologies.
The investment also includes a strong focus on skills development and technical training. A senior quality inspector was recently recruited and enrolled in LK Metrology’s advanced CMM training program, while the existing quality team completed an intensive one-week course at LK’s Castle Donington facility to ensure maximum proficiency in using the new systems.
Brandon Sanders, CMM quality inspector at Rodwell Powell, noted that the expanded inspection capacity will be vital for handling the growing complexity of components. “With larger and more intricate parts being manufactured, our upgraded quality control system will help us maintain absolute precision for clients like Rolls-Royce, Caterpillar, and our aviation restoration partners,” he said.
In recognition of its commitment to engineering education, Rodwell Powell has donated its previous LK Integra 6.5.4 CMM to a local training center to give aspiring engineers hands-on experience with world-class metrology equipment. The initiative underscores the company’s dedication not only to advancing its own technological capabilities but also to nurturing the next generation of skilled engineers.
LK Metrology, a global leader in precision measurement technology, was selected as Rodwell Powell’s supplier after a rigorous evaluation process that considered factors such as UK-based technical support, software integration, and comprehensive operator training. As part of their partnership, LK also provided a trial license for CAMIO OFFLINE—a virtual CMM environment that enables inspectors to simulate and optimize measurement programs without occupying the physical machines, maximizing productivity and uptime.
By combining heritage, innovation, and technical expertise, Rodwell Powell continues to position itself at the forefront of the UK’s precision engineering sector. Its investment in advanced metrology solutions not only strengthens its competitiveness in aerospace and defense manufacturing but also reaffirms its long-standing reputation for accuracy, reliability, and uncompromising quality in every component produced.
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Rodwell Powell Invests $339,000 to Upgrade Aerospace Quality Control
Rodwell Powell, a Basildon-based precision engineering company with a long-standing legacy in aerospace and defense manufacturing, has made a significant investment of $339,187 to
