Chemring Group

Last updated

Chemring Group plc
FormerlyChemring P L C (1905–1986) [1] [2]
Company typePublic company
LSE:  CHG
FTSE 250 component
Industry Aerospace and Defence
FoundedNovember 30, 1905;118 years ago (1905-11-30) [1]
Headquarters Romsey, UK
Key people
Carl-Peter Forster, chairman
Michael Ord, CEO
RevenueIncrease2.svg £472.6 million (2023) [3]
Increase2.svg £69.2 million (2023) [3]
Decrease2.svg £5.4 million (2023) [3]
Total assets Decrease2.svg £596.4 million (2023) [3]
Total equity Decrease2.svg £378.5 million (2023) [3]
Number of employees
2,578 (2023) [3]
Subsidiaries Roke Manor Research, Kilgore Flares Company, Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, Titan Dynamics Systems, Alloy Surfaces, Mecar, 3d-Radar AS
Website chemring.co.uk

Chemring Group plc is a global business providing a range of advanced technology products and services to the aerospace, defence and security markets. Chemring has extensive operations in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Contents

The company was originally formed during 1905 as The British, Foreign & Colonial Automatic Light Controlling Company Limited, which manufactured timers for gas street lighting. Deciding to venture into electrical filaments, which were used for electric lights, it found demand for the technology from both domestic and foreign armed forces, using it as chaff, a radar decoy. During 1974, the company was first listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 1982, Chemring drastically increased its production of decoys to supply British forces engaged in the Falklands War.

The company again rapidly increased its rate of production of countermeasures to supply coalition forces in the Gulf War of 1991. In 1992, Chemring acquired its main British competitor Haley & Weller. In the following decades, Chemring acquired various businesses while expanding, particularly in the North American market. By 2010, Chemring Group reportedly held roughly 50% of the global market for countermeasures. It has also become the dominant supplier of such devices to both the UK and US armed forces. The company is presently headquartered in Romsey. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

History

Twentieth century

The business currently known as Chemring Group was established in 1905 as The British, Foreign & Colonial Automatic Light Controlling Company Limited, so named after its principal business of manufacturing timers for gas street lighting. [4] These clockwork timepieces gradually replaced the need to employ human lamplighters to manually control street lighting. The company's equipment played a major role in the transformation of the UK’s street lighting from gas to electricity. [4]

In the 1950s, the company decided to diversify, developing a proprietary process for the manufacture of silver-coated nylon filaments for lighting. [4] The UK's Meteorological Office opted to procure these filaments, along with lightweight radar reflectors; they facilitated the accurate measurement of wind speed when attached to specially calibrated balloons. [4] It was subsequently established that such filaments had an alternative use as chaff for radar decoy purposes. Both the Swedish Air Force and the UK Ministry of Defence became highly interested in using this chaff. [4]

During 1974, the company was first listed on the London Stock Exchange. [4] As a consequence of the Falklands War of 1982, Chemring established a new factory to produce aluminium glass chaff decoys; these were deployed across the vessels of the Royal Navy to counteract the threat of sea-skimming missiles. In 1986, Chemring acquired Pains Wessex, a firm specialising in pyrotechnics; since renamed Chemring Countermeasures Limited, the acquisition facilitated a move into infrared (IR) decoys. [4]

The Gulf War of 1991, motived Chemring to rapidly increase its production of countermeasures; these were supplied in quantity to the US-led coalition forces. [4] In 1992, the company acquired its main domestic competitor, Haley & Weller, which it renamed Chemring Defence UK Limited; this purchase meant that Chemring had become the principal supplier of the Ministry of Defence's countermeasure and military pyrotechnic needs. [4] In 1993, Chemring established a presence in the United States with its first US acquisition, Alloy Surfaces Company Inc, which produced tailor-made decoys incorporating special materials. [5]

Twenty-first century

The North American market has become of increasing prominence in the company's portfolio; in 2001, Chemring acquired Kilgore Flares Company LLC, this made the Group the largest provider of decoys to the United States Department of Defense. [4] Chemring also expanded in Europe via acquisitions around this period. During November 2005, it purchased Comet GmbH, Pyrotechnik-Apparatebau, which was later renamed Chemring Defence Germany GmbH, from Diehl Stiftung & Co KG. [4] In 2006, the Chemring Group acquired Poole based BDL Systems for £9 million. [6] [7]

During 2007, the Company acquired Simmel Difesa, an ammunition supply business; [8] that same year, Richmond Electronics & Engineering, a business specialising in bomb disposal technology, was also purchased. [9] In 2008, it went on to purchase Scot, a US specialist manufacturer of devices for aircraft emergency systems, space launch systems, and missiles; [10] the firm was viewed as a natural counterpart to Chemring Energetics UK, an existing subsidiary. [11] Another acquisition that year was Martin Electronics, a manufacturer of ammunition and fuses. [12]

In 2009, Chemring acquired Hi-Shear Technology Corporation, a US leading manufacturer of high reliability energetic solutions that perform critical functions in key US space and defence programmes. [13] In 2010, it purchased Roke Manor Research, a centre for advanced technology research and development based in Hampshire, UK from Siemens for £55m. [14] By 2010, Chemring Group reportedly held roughly 50% of the global market for countermeasure flares, its market share having grown significantly over the previous decade; according to industry publication Flight International, much of the company's recent growth was attributable to the expanding countermeasures sector alone. [15]

In 2011, the company acquired the Detection Systems operations and certain related assets of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation; this entity has since operated as Chemring Detection Systems Inc, being a US leader in chemical and biological threat detection and has advanced capability in stand-off detection of improvised explosive devices. [16] In 2012, Chemring disposed of its Marine interests, Chemring Marine, to Drew Marine. [17]

In May 2014, Chemring acquired 3d-Radar AS, a Norwegian subsidiary of Curtiss-Wright Corporation, for $3 million; [18] 3d-Radar AS was sold on during 2018. In 2016, Chemring acquired the key assets and technology of Wallop Defence Systems, a British subsidiary of Esterline, strengthening its air countermeasures portfolio. [4]

Operations

Chemring Group operates in four market sectors: [19]

The corporation owns Chemring Nobel [20] (as of 2023); formerly its name was Dyno Nobel. [21]

Controversy

In 2002, a report on the BBC Today programme claimed that a salesman from PW Defence, a Chemring subsidiary, had agreed to sell landmines to an undercover reporter. [22] [23] The anti-personnel weapons were outlawed in the UK in 1998, following the signing of the Ottawa Treaty. [24] Chemring Group insisted that it had never manufactured such products and had halted sales well in advance of the ban; six months later, it was exonerated of any wrongdoing; a dispute over the allegation was still ongoing between the BBC and Chemring two years later. [25] [26]

In 2011, it was revealed that CS gas produced by Chemring had been used against civilian pro-democracy protesters in the 2011 Egyptian revolution. [27] Later in 2014, it was also revealed that tear gas used against demonstrators in the 2014 Hong Kong protests was provided by Chemring. [28] In June 2019, following the use of CS Gas and other crowd-control measures by authorities against demonstrators in the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, the UK Government ordered an immediate end to such sales to the region. [29] [30]

In 2018, it was announced that the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) had opened an investigation into corruption and money laundering by Chemring Group following a report from Chemring's subsidiary, Chemring Technology Solutions (CTSL), which is also being investigated. A SFO spokesperson has stated that the inquiry is focused upon "the conduct of business by Chemring Group and CTSL". [31] [32]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Electric Company</span> British engineering company (1886–1999)

The General Electric Company (GEC) was a major British industrial conglomerate involved in consumer and defence electronics, communications, and engineering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raytheon</span> U.S. defense contractor

The Raytheon Company was a major U.S. defense contractor and industrial corporation with manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007. Raytheon was the world's largest producer of guided missiles. In April 2020, the Raytheon Company merged with United Technologies Corporation to form Raytheon Technologies, which changed its name to RTX Corporation in July 2023.

Thales S.A., trading as Thales Group is a French multinational company that designs, develops and manufactures electrical systems as well as devices and equipment for the aerospace, defence, transportation and security sectors. The company is headquartered in Paris' business district, La Défense, and its stock is listed on the Euronext Paris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thorn Lighting</span>

Thorn Lighting Ltd, a subsidiary of the Zumtobel Group, is a global supplier of both outdoor and indoor luminaires and integrated controls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cooper Industries</span> American worldwide electrical products manufacturer

Cooper Industries was an American worldwide electrical products manufacturer headquartered in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1833, the company had seven operating divisions including Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products.

The Plessey Company plc was a British electronics, defence and telecommunications company. It originated in 1917, growing and diversifying into electronics. It expanded after World War II by acquisition of companies and formed overseas companies.

QinetiQ is a multinational defence technology company headquartered in Farnborough, Hampshire. It operates primarily in the defence, security and critical national infrastructure markets and run testing and evaluation capabilities for air, land, sea and target systems.

Racal Electronics plc was a British electronics company that was founded in 1950.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electronic countermeasure</span> Electronic device for deceiving detection systems

An electronic countermeasure (ECM) is an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar, or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy. The system may make many separate targets appear to the enemy, or make the real target appear to disappear or move about randomly. It is used effectively to protect aircraft from guided missiles. Most air forces use ECM to protect their aircraft from attack. It has also been deployed by military ships and recently on some advanced tanks to fool laser/IR guided missiles. It is frequently coupled with stealth advances so that the ECM systems have an easier job. Offensive ECM often takes the form of jamming. Self-protecting (defensive) ECM includes using blip enhancement and jamming of missile terminal homers.

Roke, legally Roke Manor Research Ltd, is a British company based at Roke Manor near Romsey, Hampshire, which conducts research and development in the fields of communications, networks, electronic sensors, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, Military decision support consultancy and operational analysis, information assurance, and human science. In addition to supporting its parent Chemring, Roke undertakes contract research and development, and product development work for both public and private sector customers. Products developed from research at Roke Manor include the Hawk-Eye ball tracker, which is now used widely in sports such as tennis, football, and cricket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thorn EMI</span> British company, 1979–1996

Thorn EMI was a major British company involved in consumer electronics, music, defence and retail. Created in October 1979, when Thorn Electrical Industries merged with EMI, it was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It demerged back to separate companies in 1996.

Radar jamming and deception is a form of electronic countermeasures (ECMs) that intentionally sends out radio frequency signals to interfere with the operation of radar by saturating its receiver with noise or false information. Concepts that blanket the radar with signals so its display cannot be read are normally known as jamming, while systems that produce confusing or contradictory signals are known as deception, but it is also common for all such systems to be referred to as jamming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thorn Electrical Industries</span> Former British electrical engineering company

Thorn Electrical Industries Limited was a British electrical engineering company. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange, but merged with EMI Group to form Thorn EMI in 1979. It was de-merged in 1996 and became a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index, but was acquired by the Japanese Nomura Group only two years later. It is now owned by Terra Firma Capital Partners.

Smiths Group plc is a British, multinational, diversified engineering business headquartered in London, England. It operates in over 50 countries and employs 15,000 staff. Smiths Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Cobham Limited is a British aerospace manufacturing company based in Bournemouth, England.

E.ON UK is a British energy company and one of the largest suppliers of energy in the UK, following its acquisition of Npower. It is a subsidiary of E.ON of Germany and one of the Big Six energy suppliers. It was founded in 1989 as Powergen, and was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has been a subsidiary of E.ON since 1 July 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bharat Dynamics Limited</span> Indian Defense Company

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is one of India's manufacturers of ammunitions and missile systems. It was founded in 1970 in Hyderabad, India. BDL was established to be a manufacturing base for guided weapon systems and begun with a pool of engineers drawn from Indian Ordnance Factories, DRDO and aerospace industries, it began by producing a first generation anti-tank guided missile - the French SS11B1. While fulfilling its basic role as a weapons system manufacturer, BDL has built up in-house R&D capabilities primarily focusing on design and engineering activities. BDL has three manufacturing units, located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad; Bhanur, Medak district, and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Esterline Technologies Corporation was a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and markets specialty products primarily for aerospace and defense customers. The company is best known as a supplier of products and equipment for aerospace companies such as Boeing and Airbus; and for American and allied military forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Praetorian DASS</span> Military airplane defensive hardware and software

The EuroDASS Praetorian DASS is an integral part of Eurofighter Typhoon defensive Aid Sub-System (DASS) providing threat assessment, aircraft protection and support measures in extremely hostile and severe environments. As the DASS is fully integrated, it does not require additional pods that take up weapon stations or would influence the aircraft's aerodynamic performance. In addition the modular nature of the DASS simplifies future upgrades and allows each partner nation or export customer the option to tailor the DASS to their individual needs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RTX Corporation</span> American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate

RTX Corporation, formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation, is an American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It is one of the largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world by revenue and market capitalization, as well as one of the largest providers of intelligence services. In 2023, the company's seat in Forbes Global 2000 was 79. RTX manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, aerostructures, cybersecurity solutions, guided missiles, air defense systems, satellites, and drones. The company is also a large military contractor, getting a significant portion of its revenue from the U.S. government.

References

  1. 1 2 "Chemring Group PLC overview". Companies House . 30 November 1905. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  2. "Disclaimer". Chemring. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Annual Report 2023" (PDF). Chemring. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Our History." Chemring Group, Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  5. "Covert decoys". Flight International. 17 June 1999.
  6. "Acquisition of BDL Systems Limited". chemring.co.uk. Chemring Group PLC. 2006. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  7. "Chemring buys BDL Systems for 9 mln stg; order book reaches record 225 mln stg". London South East Limited. 2006. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
  8. "Chemring buys Simmel Difesa for £52m." Reuters, 30 March 2007.
  9. "Chemring buys bomb disposal company Richmond." Reuters, 5 November 2007.
  10. "Chemring buys pyrotechnics specialist." Archived 15 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine QCK, 27 May 2008.
  11. "FARNBOROUGH 2008: Scot deal drives Chemring into US market". Flight International. 14 July 2008.
  12. "Chemring buy Martin Electronics for $70m." Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine IB Times, 24 June 2008.
  13. "Chemring buys U.S.-listed Hi-Shear." Reuters, 16 September 2009.
  14. "defence.professionals". defpro.com. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
  15. Dron, Alan (14 September 2010). "Top 100: Chemring flares business burns brightly". Flight International.
  16. "Chemring acquires detection systems assets from GD." Archived 25 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Engineer, 4 July 2011.
  17. "Chemring disposes marine interests to Drew Marine for 32 mln: quick facts". RTT News. 6 June 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
  18. "Acquisition of 3d-Radar". Chemring Group. 9 May 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
  19. At a Glance Archived 18 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine Chemring
  20. "Chemring Nobel AS". Proff.no. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  21. "Var kritisk til USAs våpenleveranser. Nå er Støre taus". VG.no. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  22. "British firm 'tried to sell landmines'". The Daily Telegraph. 10 May 2002. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  23. "UK firm accused of selling landmines". The Guardian. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  24. "Treaty Status". International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  25. Aldrick, Philip (4 February 2004). "Chemring re-examines landmine allegations". The Telegraph.
  26. "Gilligan defends radio report on arms company". Press Gazette. 8 July 2004.
  27. "British-made tear gas was used on Egypt's protesters". The Independent. 4 December 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  28. Coghlan, Tom (29 September 2014). "Hong Kong protesters hit by 'British made' grenades | The Times & The Sunday Times". The Times. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  29. Wintour, Patrick (25 June 2019). "UK halts sale of teargas to Hong Kong amid police brutality claims". The Guardian.
  30. "Hong Kong: Police must end excessive force against largely peaceful protest". Amnesty International. 12 June 2019.
  31. "UK fraud office launches corruption investigation into Chemring". Reuters. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  32. "UK fraud squad opens criminal investigation into Chemring". Financial Times. Retrieved 18 January 2018.