Retford aerospace firm put in television spotlight

A Retford engineering firm has been given a moment in the spotlight by a television show exploring the region's industrial legacy and future.
Retford manufacturer Icon Aerospace Technology is at the forefront of new in-flight refuelling design.Retford manufacturer Icon Aerospace Technology is at the forefront of new in-flight refuelling design.
Retford manufacturer Icon Aerospace Technology is at the forefront of new in-flight refuelling design.

Icon Aerospace Technology was featured in the January 4 episode of BBC Two’s Great British Railway Journeys, as host Michael Portillo ventured through Nottinghamshire on the line from Newark-On-Trent to Stockton.

The presenter highlighted Retford’s heritage as a major manufacturer of rubber products, continued today by Icon’s aerospace industry work.

Icon director Mike Heslop said: “It was a real honour to have some of our rich history captured on screen, and to welcome Michael to our site.

“This business, and this small market town, both have vast histories of pioneering the development and manufacture of products in a host of global industries.”

Mike led Portillo through an aerospace fire test, to demonstrate the properties of materials used by the company to manufacture jet engine seals.

The programme also revealed a new technology the business is developing for in-flight refuelling hoses, using data fibres to allow unmanned aircraft to communicate.

The episode is on iPlayer until Friday, February 3.