Headquartered in St Athan, with its main engineering office in Newport, Wales, Metrology Engineering Services (MES) is helping to reshape aircraft repair through advanced digital technology. With support from the Welsh Government’s Innovation team, the company has invested in new technology, created skilled jobs and delivered sustainable solutions that have saved airlines around the world millions of pounds.
Established in 2023, Metrology set out to modernise the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, introducing new digital approaches to an industry that has long relied on manual processes.
Steve Beasley, Founder and CEO of Metrology Engineering Services, said: “Our aim from day one has been to rethink how aircraft are repaired and inspected. By using scanning and data in smarter ways, we can cut downtime, save operators money and keep aircraft flying safely. It’s about changing how the industry works for the better.”
The company first benefitted from a SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) in 2023, receiving a grant towards the purchase of 3D scanning equipment essential to its launch. Building on that foundation, it later secured further funding to expand its team, adopt the latest inspection technologies and extend its services.
This is enabling the business to grow its workforce, adopt the latest inspection technologies and broaden its services. Circular Economy support has also helped it embed sustainable repair practices across its projects.
Over two years, innovation support has allowed the company to:
- Recruit permanent staff and create graduate and apprenticeship opportunities in Wales.
- Expand into digital asset management using AI and blockchain.
- Reuse high-value components across aerospace, rail and energy sectors.
The flexibility of the support has allowed the business to adapt quickly to new technology and changing market needs. This proved vital when MES was called to support a major airline following a severe hailstorm in Europe.
Using advanced digital scanning, the company created detailed 3D models to assess the damage quickly, ensuring repairs were carried out to the highest standards. The speed of the work minimised disruption for a major middle east airline by repairing components rather than replacing them, saving over $20 million for their customers and showed how digital technology is redefining aviation safety and reliability.
Steve explained: “We simply wouldn’t have a business without the support. The first SFIS grant allowed us to buy the specialist equipment we needed. I even remortgaged my house to provide match funding, but it gave us the launchpad to start trading. From day one, Welsh Government has been alongside us.”
The company’s progress has been significant:
- Turnover reached seven figures in its first year, with 100% of sales from exports.
- Four roles created for graduates and student apprentices in Wales, supporting the skills pipeline.
- Multi-million-dollar savings delivered for major international airlines.
- Recognised as ‘Wales Business of the Year’ and ‘Innovative Business of the Year’ at the 2024 Wales Business Awards.
- Collaboration with universities, including a digital twin project for the University of the West of England wind tunnel.
The company’s success demonstrates how Welsh innovation can compete on a global stage. Its work supports the Welsh Government’s Innovation Strategy across all four missions.
It is creating high-value jobs and training opportunities for young engineers in Wales. By exporting its services worldwide and taking part in trade missions, it is strengthening the Welsh economy. Through Circular Economy approaches such as reuse and repair, it is reducing waste and carbon emissions, directly supporting climate goals.
Find out more about how SMART Flexible Innovation Support (FIS) can support your organisation. Visit Business Wales Innovation to learn more.