Nedtech Engineering Acquired by Atkins

(Hoofddorp, 9 January 2008) -- Dutch aerospace engineering has extended its reach in Europe with the acquisition of Nedtech Engineering B.V. by Atkins, the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe. The acquisition qualifies Atkins as a potential transnational supplier to Airbus, which means that the company can bid for larger projects within Airbus Germany, France, Spain and UK.

Nedtech, which will act under the new brand name Atkins Nedtech, is an independent engineering company focused on the aerospace industry that recorded annual turnover of EUR5M in 2006. The combined business will be well placed to provide independent aerospace engineering and project management support to industry for civil and defence projects.

Atkins Nedtech has a distinguished record in aerospace engineering. Its technical consultants have excellent relationships with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Stork Fokker, DutchAero and other major aerospace companies across the Netherlands and Germany.

This mix of independent technical capability, security-cleared personnel and domain knowledge is in particularly short supply at present. This valuable engineering competence will remain available for carrying out aerospace engineering activities from Nedtech's office in Hoofddorp, close to Schiphol Airport.

Atkins Nedtech has particular expertise in civil and military aerospace structures, system and engine design and conforms to Aerospace Quality Standard AS9001- a combination of features that are increasingly important to aerospace clients and will complement Atkins' existing skills in aerospace engineering.

Atkins Nedtech employs approximately 50 staff at its office in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands and will become the Mainland Europe division of Atkins Aerospace, bringing the total number of staff working on aerospace projects to around 300.

Ivor Catto, Managing Director of Atkins' Design and Engineering Solutions business said: "This acquisition enhances Atkins' capability to deliver high-end engineering and project management services to aerospace customers across Europe and positions us well for further growth in the sector. In particular, it will enable us to respond to restructuring within Airbus."

Wim van Beinum, founder and Managing Director of Nedtech, said: "We are delighted to be joining Atkins' team of people working on aerospace projects. I look forward to combining our skills to enhance the services we can provide to aerospace customers."

Source : Nedtech Engineering