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Barum & Dewar Secures Repeat Contract with Chess Dynamics
Barum & Dewar is proud to announce a repeat contract win with Chess Dynamics, further strengthening our partnership and building upon past project success. The latest project involves the production of a series of bespoke cases and racks, many featuring custom foam inserts, designed to meet the precise specifications of Chess Dynamics and delivered within a tight lead time.
This made-to-order project draws on the in-house support and expertise of our Group manufacturing resources. Meticulous planning and scheduling will be key to ensuring that all components arrive at the correct locations on time, requiring a collaborative effort between our trusted suppliers and team to meet the client's specific requirements.
The project will present challenges in terms of lead time and price sensitivity, but with plans to work closely with our teams, we will provide a solution that meets the client’s demands while maintaining a highly competitive price point.
Barum & Dewar is delighted to have been entrusted once again by Chess Dynamics to deliver on this important project, demonstrating our commitment to meeting our clients’ needs across price, specification, and delivery schedules.
Mark Speck, Barum & Dewar, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our positive relationship with Chess Dynamics. This project will showcase our ability to work collaboratively and efficiently, delivering tailored solutions that meet the highest standards. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Chess Dynamics with the successful delivery of this project.”
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Barum & Dewar Secures Contract with Airbus Defence and Space for Bespoke Storage Solution
Barum & Dewar is delighted to announce a new contract with Airbus Defence and Space, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the space sector. The project involves the design and manufacture of three bespoke stainless-steel fabricated WIP (work-in-progress) storage trolleys, specifically for heat pipes used in Airbus’s space and satellite programmes.
This collaboration builds on Barum & Dewar’s previous work with Airbus at their Stevenage site, where a similar requirement was successfully met several years ago. Airbus’s confidence in Barum & Dewar’s innovative and practical design capabilities has once again resulted in this contract award.
The trolleys, destined for use within the clean rooms of Airbus’s Portsmouth site, will address a key challenge: limited workspace. Barum & Dewar’s compact and efficient design will ensure safe, secure, and effective storage while minimising the footprint required. The trolleys will be fully manoeuvrable, enabling ease of use throughout various stages of the assembly process.
Constructed from stainless steel tubing, the trolleys will be designed to minimise areas where dust, debris, or airborne contaminants could settle—an essential feature in clean room environments. This ensures that Airbus’s sensitive equipment remains protected throughout handling and storage.
Barum & Dewar is proud to have been selected for this critical project and looks forward to delivering the first of the units early in the New Year. Mark Speck, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, contributing to their cutting-edge space and satellite programmes. This contract win is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative, high-quality solutions for the space sector.”
Image credit: Airbus
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Successful container refurbishment for Airbus
Barum & Dewar continues to support the re-use of satellite containers, recently completing the refurbishment of two fully fabricated aluminium units for longstanding client Airbus.
Originally built for Airbus more than a decade ago, the two containers have been fully refurbished and tested, ensuring they are ready for future operations. This approach reflects Barum & Dewar’s ongoing commitment to re-use and re-purpose wherever possible, extending the life of specialist containers.
As part of the refurbishment process, the containers were collected from Airbus, carefully surveyed, and a detailed scope of works agreed upon. The wire shock mounts were removed, inspected, and tested, while the interface plates and all catches, brackets, and fittings were also checked, repaired, or replaced where necessary. Once the work was completed, the containers were tested and returned, ready for their next mission.
This approach offered Airbus a quicker turnaround compared to new builds, as well as clear commercial benefits, while aligning with the environmental policies of both companies.
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Repurposing Protective Packaging Solutions with Barum & Dewar
At Barum & Dewar, we are always striving to innovate and develop sustainable packaging solutions for our clients. We understand the growing importance of providing packaging solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly. This commitment to sustainability is key to our design and specification process, and it’s reflected in our approach to container repurposing.
As part of our dedication to sustainability, container repurposing allows our clients to take a previously used container and collaborate closely with our expert design team to refit, refurbish, or upgrade it to meet new protection requirements. By extending the life of these containers, we provide a cost-effective solution with shorter lead times, helping our clients save both time and money while reducing waste.
Our team frequently receives projects where containers that have served their initial purpose are returned to us for reconfiguration. These containers are then adapted to support new client programs. When a project comes in, our design team carefully reviews the new brief and proposes the necessary changes to fit the new project’s needs. This might involve fitting the container with new protective foam, upgrading the shock mounts to accommodate a different payload, or making other adjustments as required.
No matter the size of the project or the sector in which it will be deployed, Barum & Dewar is adept at repurposing containers to add additional value for our clients. We believe that every container has potential beyond its original use, and through our repurposing services, we help our clients unlock that potential, ensuring their packaging solutions are both sustainable and perfectly tailored to their evolving needs.
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Event reflections: The growth of the UK space sector
Having recently attended both SpaceCommExpo Scotland and the Space Zone at the Farnborough International Airshow, projections for the UK space sector offer huge opportunity and excitement for the coming years. Having worked in the sector for over 25 years, the B&D team have a wealth of understanding of the development of the sector to date and in this article we seek to reflect on key themes driving the growth of the sector.
The UK space sector has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, establishing itself as one of the world’s key players in the global space economy. As of 2024, the sector is poised for continued expansion, driven by government initiatives, private investment, and innovation in areas like satellite technology, space exploration, and sustainability. The UK’s ambition to capture 10% of the global space market by 2030 reflects its strategic importance and the country’s commitment to developing its space capabilities.
Government Support and Investment
One of the most significant drivers of the UK’s space sector growth has been strong government support, particularly through the UK Space Agency and various strategic funding initiatives. The UK government has pledged over £1 billion to the space industry, with a focus on innovation, research, and the development of commercial capabilities.
Key to this investment is the National Space Strategy, which was launched in 2021, and outlines the UK's vision for becoming a major space power. This strategy aims to support space startups, enhance the UK's satellite launch capabilities, and promote international collaborations. Notably, the UK Space Agency has funded a range of pioneering missions, including satellite launches and the development of spaceports across the UK.
Spaceports and Launch Capabilities
The UK has made significant progress in developing domestic satellite launch capabilities, marking a key milestone for the nation. Spaceport Cornwall, SaxaVord Spaceport, and Space Hub Sutherland in Scotland are all at various stages of development, with the goal of enabling the UK to conduct small satellite launches, particularly to low-Earth orbit (LEO).
While Spaceport Cornwall’s inaugural launch in 2023, carried out by Virgin Orbit, did not reach orbit due to technical issues, the event signalled a turning point for the UK. The launch demonstrated the country’s determination to create a fully functional launch ecosystem. Both SaxaVord and Sutherland are expected to begin launches in the near future, with the UK set to become a leading hub for small satellite launches in Europe, providing much-needed infrastructure for the burgeoning new space economy.
Satellite Technology and Space Data
Satellite technology remains a cornerstone of the UK space sector, with the country being home to several key players in the global satellite market. Companies like OneWeb and B&D client, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), the latter of which is developing innovative smallsats, are driving the development of advanced satellite systems.
One of the UK’s strengths lies in satellite-based services, including communications, Earth observation, and navigation. The UK is a leader in space data analytics, harnessing the power of satellite data for climate monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. This has been facilitated by the UK’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) and its Copernicus program, which provides crucial data for environmental monitoring.
Sustainability and Space Debris
As space becomes more congested, sustainability is a growing concern within the UK space sector. The UK has taken a leading role in addressing the issue of space debris, with several initiatives aimed at cleaning up low-Earth orbit. Companies like Astroscale, another B&D client, are working on missions to remove defunct satellites and other debris that pose a risk to active space assets.
The UK’s commitment to space sustainability is also reflected in its membership in the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR), a global framework designed to promote responsible behaviour in space. The UK government has emphasised the importance of sustainable practices as the country seeks to balance the growth of the space sector with long-term environmental considerations.
At SpaceCommScotland, companies were able to sign the European Space Agency - ESA Statement for a Responsible Space Sector further emphasising the sectors commitment to sustainability.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the UK space sector is experiencing significant growth, there are still challenges ahead. The industry is capital-intensive, and access to funding remains a barrier for many startups. Additionally, the spaceport development timeline has experienced delays, and the country must ensure that it can meet the demand for launch services from both domestic and international customers.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities for growth are vast. The increasing reliance on satellite technology for communications, defence, and climate monitoring means that the UK is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing global demand. The UK’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and international partnerships ensures that it will remain a leading player in the space sector for years to come.
The UK space sector stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with strong government support, a thriving private sector, and a focus on innovation and sustainability. As the country continues to build out its launch capabilities and satellite infrastructure, the UK is set to become a major global hub for space technology and services. While challenges remain, the future of the UK space industry looks promising, and it is one in which we are proud to be an established player.