TELFORD, UK, July 23, 2025 – Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) is marking its 25th year in business as it expands operations. The Telford-based manufacturer, which began in a 4,500-square-foot unit with six employees, exports components to more than 33 countries and supplies industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, renewables and electronics.
Founded by Alan Rollason, David Latham and executive director Chris Ball, ACE started with a £500 order for Pascall Electronics on the Isle of Wight. ACE has increased staffing in its inspection department to meet a 5% rise in demand and celebrated producing its 150 millionth component.
“We’ve had to contend with a lot of changes over the last twenty-five years, so it feels somewhat fitting that we’ve hit the 150 million production milestone to mark our anniversary,” Ball said. “Covid-19, Brexit, the global financial crisis and recent supply chain disruption have all been overcome and this is thanks to our commitment to investment in new technology and our people.”
Chris Ball added: “This has ensured we can continually innovate our processes, including adding new materials like aluminum and titanium. Achieving the highest possible standards in etching gives our clients the opportunity to choose this type of process over more traditional alternatives to achieve lighter products.”
Recent investments include £350,000 spent earlier this year on two single chamber Chemcut etching machines and a UCE developer, allowing ACE to etch 1,300 sheets per day compared to 50 in 2000.
“All the focus now is on the next quarter of a century. £350,000 was spent earlier this year on the installation of two additional single chamber Chemcut etching machines and a state-of-the-art UCE developer, and this has given us quicker and cleaner imaging. It means we can now etch 1,300 sheets per day, a far cry from the 50 we could manage back in 2000,” Ball said.
ACE holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations and manufactures products ranging from washers to complex battery grids, cooling plates and heating components. Over the past 25 years, key milestones have included reaching £1 million in turnover in 2003, launching sister business ACE Forming in Kingswinford, and appointing managing director Ian Whateley in 2012. The company has also gained AS9100 aerospace accreditation and expanded its footprint on Hortonwood.
“We want 2025 to be a real celebration of what the business has achieved and where we want to go over the next twenty-five years,” Ian Whateley said.
“A big Summer BBQ took place recently and it was great to share this event with retired founders Alan Rollason and Dave Latham (both now 78). And we’re going to give every one of our 70-strong workforce their birthdays off as a little thank you! This will not just be for 2025, but for every year going forward.”
“In addition to Chris Ball, we also need to recognize the achievements of Andrew Parton and Stuart Weston, who have both been with us since day one,” Whateley said.
Source: ACE
About Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE)
Advanced Chemical Etching Ltd., founded in March 2000, is a U.K.-based manufacturer specializing in precision photo-etched metal components. Headquartered in Telford, Shropshire, the company serves a range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, communications, electronics, medical, precision engineering, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Its product portfolio ranges from simple washers to complex components used in applications such as battery interconnects, fuel cell bipolar plates, cooling plates, and heating elements. ACE is recognized for its proprietary etching techniques, including specialized chemistries for titanium and aluminum. The company holds certifications including ISO 9001, AS 9100 for aerospace, and ISO 14001 for environmental standards. ACE employs approximately 70 staff in Telford and exports to more than 33 countries. The company employs 70 workers and reports a turnover of £9M in 2025, reflecting financial growth and global market reach.