This year marks a significant milestone for Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) in Telford - the team is celebrating 40 years of manufacturing innovation in the heart of the UK.
Since opening in 1985, the Telford site has grown from a modest operation into a world-class manufacturing centre for Huck® products. Today, HFS Telford supplies fastening systems across multiple industries, from automotive and rail to construction and renewable energy, where strength, durability, and reliability are essential.
A Journey of Growth and Commitment
Over the past four decades, the Telford facility has expanded to over 100,000 square feet and now employs 130 skilled professionals. Since 2015, more than £15 million has been invested into the site to enhance manufacturing capabilities, upgrade equipment, and create new skilled roles.
A standout achievement was the installation of the UK’s first SACMA 670AL cold forging header, a high-speed, six-die machine capable of producing Huck lockbolt pins and collars at up to 80 parts per minute. This significant investment has boosted both output and the ability to meet customer needs more efficiently.
Made in Telford. Built to Last.
HFS Telford takes immense pride in its manufacturing output. The facility produces the vast majority of Huck products for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), including Lockbolts and structural blind fasteners. Renowned for their strength and fatigue resistance, Huck fasteners provide up to five times the fatigue life of conventional bolting systems, making them ideal for demanding, high-vibration applications.
As a UK-based manufacturer, HFS Telford maintains strict control over product quality, ensures faster delivery times, and provides excellent customer support.
The Telford site is more than a production hub, it plays a vital role in the local economy, and contributes to the future of British engineering. With rising demand in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and automated logistics, HFS Telford is helping customers stay ahead by delivering fastening solutions designed to solve tomorrow’s challenges.
Andy Smith, Director of Operations at HFS Telford, reflects:
“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved at Telford over the past 40 years. This site has a long legacy of innovation and precision manufacturing, and we’re committed to building on that strength in the years ahead.”
New Huck Innovation Launching in 2025
Looking to the future, HFS Telford is preparing to launch several new Huck fastening products in 2025. Developed in close collaboration with customers, these innovations are engineered to set new standards in performance, ease of installation, and reliability.
Jonathan Craven, Senior Director of Technology & Engineering at HFS Industrial, says:
“These upcoming products are the result of deep collaboration with our customers. They’re built to solve real-world fastening challenges and help our customers work smarter and faster.”
These new solutions are expected to drive major productivity gains across high-demand applications and industries.
About HFS Telford
HFS Telford is a dedicated manufacturing site within the global Howmet Aerospace family, specialising in the production of Huck fastening systems. The site’s capabilities are focused on cold forming to the highest industry standards, with outsourced processes supporting other local businesses.
With a strong emphasis on quality, safety and customer satisfaction, the Telford team plays a crucial role in delivering fastening solutions trusted worldwide, while proudly supporting the UK’s legacy of engineering excellence.
Thanks to the dedicated team, valued customers, and trusted partners who have been part of this journey. Here’s to 40 years of Huck® innovation - and many more to come.
