CCP Gransden

What CCP Gransden does

CCP Gransden is a privately-held, family-owned advanced composites manufacturer headquartered in Ballygowan, Northern Ireland, with origins traceable to 1894 when it was founded as Hamilton and McMaster Engineering Co. The firm diversified into composites manufacturing in the 1960s and is currently led by Managing Director Jim Erskine of the Hamilton family. Operating with 11-50 employees, it supplies thermoset and fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite components and assemblies to global aerospace, defence, automotive, space, maritime, UAV, eVTOL, and renewable energy OEMs and Tier 1 primes.

The company's in-house process portfolio spans 7-axis filament winding, resin transfer moulding (RTM and HP-RTM), compression moulding, thermoforming, overmoulding, vacuum infusion, manual and automated lay-up, and continuous fibre carbon 3D printing. It operates a high-volume cell anchored by the only 11,000 kN ENGEL v-duo press installed in the UK, alongside a dedicated R&D facility. Quality and accreditation footprint includes AS9100D, NADCAP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and SC21 Gold — the latter making CCP Gransden the only UK composites manufacturer to hold this defence supply-chain certification (achieved 2023, reapproved 2024).

CCP Gransden generates revenue through contract manufacturing of engineered composite parts sold to primes and OEMs on a project basis. Named programmes include Thales STARStreak missile canisters, Rolls-Royce UltraFan components, Jaguar Land Rover's Project Tucana (£35m+ consortium value) and SOCA lightweighting initiatives, and work for BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Spirit AeroSystems, Babcock, Airbus, Boeing (selected for the 2026 Defence UK Cluster Training Programme), the UK Ministry of Defence, DSTL, the European Space Agency, and the UK Space Agency. Pricing is project-based milestone or rate-card contracting with no recurring SaaS or subscription revenue disclosed.

Name

CCP Gransden

Legal name

CCP Gransden Ltd

Website

https://ccp-gransden.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1894

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CCP Gransden is a family-owned UK advanced composites manufacturer based in Ballygowan, Northern Ireland, supplying thermoset and thermoplastic composite components and assemblies to global aerospace, defence, automotive, space, and maritime OEMs and Tier 1 primes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Belfast

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Advanced Composite Manufacturing: Full lifecycle support from R&D through to certified full-rate production of advanced composite solutions. Manufacturing high-value composite products across aerospace, defence, marine, automotive, space, UAV, eVTOL, and renewables sectors.
2. Engineering Services: Concept to commercialisation services including research, design, prototyping, and full production. Early involvement with clients for material and process selection, supporting increased component efficiency, weight reduction, parts count reduction, cycle time reduction, and cost reduction.
3. Supplementary Manufacturing Services: Additional services including clean room, 5-axis CNC, waterjet cutting, fabric cutting, paint booth, finishing, inspection, design and manufacture of composite tooling, and on-location installation and MRO services.
4. Waterjet Cutting Services: Market leading Flow Waterjet cutting services for aerospace controlled facility. Minimum order value of £400 ex VAT.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CCP Gransden is an advanced composites manufacturer that prototypes, designs and produces thermoset and fibre thermoplastic composite components. It supplies full lifecycle support from R&D and engineering through to certified, full-rate production of high-performance composite structures, pressure vessels, missile canisters, automotive body structures, spacecraft propellant tanks and UAV components for global aerospace, defence, automotive, maritime, space, UAV/eVTOL and renewables customers.

Product overview

CCP Gransden is an advanced composites manufacturer offering one of the UK's widest ranges of in-house composite manufacturing technologies. The company provides a unified service spanning engineering services (Research, Design, Prototyping, Full Production) through to certified, high-rate manufacturing. Key manufacturing processes include: Filament Winding (7-axis robotic, for pressure vessels and rocket motor casings), RTM and HP-RTM (sub-3-minute cycle times), Compression Moulding (thermoset and thermoplastic), Thermoforming (PEEK, PPS, PEI), Overmoulding and Single-Stage Overmoulding, Vacuum Infusion, Hand/Prepreg Lay-up, and Continuous Fibre Carbon 3D Printing. An Advanced High Volume Manufacturing Cell with 11,000 kN ENGEL press enables production of up to 100,000 parts per year. The company serves aerospace, defence, automotive, maritime, space, UAVs, eVTOL, and renewables sectors, with applications including missile canisters (STARStreak), aircraft engine components (Rolls-Royce UltraFan), automotive structures (Project Tucana), and spacecraft pressure vessels. Full lifecycle support is provided from R&D through to certified full-rate production, with MRO services available on-location.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Filament Winding Services Contract manufacturing using dynamic 7-axis robotic filament winding with wet-winding and towpreg processes for parts up to 4m length and 1m diameter, including Type 3, 4 and 5 high-pressure vessels for hydrogen, gas storage and rocket propulsion.
• Adaptive High Volume Manufacturing Cell Fully automated manufacturing cell with 11,000 kN ENGEL v-duo press, sliding table for rapid tool change, 6-axis robot, infrared oven and HP-RTM injection unit, delivering up to 100,000 parts per year with Industry 4.0 inline data capture and automated QC.
• RTM and High Pressure RTM (HP-RTM) Services Resin Transfer Moulding including standard RTM, Vacuum Assisted (VA-RTM), Compression RTM and High Pressure RTM for higher-performance and complex-shaped composite parts with sub-3-minute cycle times.
• Compression Moulding Services Matched male and female mould compression moulding of thermoplastic and thermoset composites, including SMC/BMC automotive parts and press-formed high-performance pre-consolidated laminates (PEEK, PPS, PEI, Polyamides).
• Thermoforming and Single-Stage Overmoulding Thermoplastic composite thermoforming using continuous-fibre laminates (PEEK, PPS, PEI, PA12) with cycle times as low as 1 minute, plus single-stage overmoulding that combines thermoforming and injection moulding simultaneously for part reduction, rib integration and net-formed components.
• Continuous Fibre Carbon 3D Printing Small-scale 3D printing service using robotically layered and cured liquid resin reinforced with continuous carbon fibres, suited to prototypes and low-volume production of lightweight composite parts.
• Engineering Services Full lifecycle engineering support from research, design and prototyping through to certified full-rate production, including CAD/project management using CATIA and 3D Experience, simulation with Abaqus, and early supplier involvement for material and process selection.
• MRO and On-Location Installation Services Installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul services delivered on-location for larger projects, including in-situ GRP repairs and upgrades performed at customer shipyards and facilities.
• Waterjet Cutting Services Market-leading Flow Waterjet cutting services delivered from an aerospace-controlled facility, with a GBP 400 ex VAT minimum order value for all jobs.
• STARStreak Composite Launch Canisters and Optical Housings Lightweight composite launch canisters and optical housings manufactured for Thales' STARStreak missile system, the fastest short-range surface-to-air system in service.
• Rolls-Royce UltraFan Composite Components Multiple composite components produced for the Rolls-Royce UltraFan, the world's largest and most powerful jet engine capable of running on 100% sustainable fuel.
• Composite Propellant Tanks for Space Propulsion Non-metallic composite propellant tanks and pressure vessels developed under the ESA Space Propulsion Technology Programme, with UK Space Agency and ESA-ARTES funding, for next-generation demisable spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Project Tucana Automotive Composite Structures Lightweight composite skeletal approach using carbon fibre and glass fibre SMC for future battery electric vehicles, developed with Jaguar Land Rover to reduce weight and increase stiffness.
• HP-RTM Enhanced Protection Covers Extremely durable and lightweight composite protection covers manufactured via High Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding for maritime, aerospace and defence customers.
• Carbon Fibre Spaceframes Lightweight, stiff, high-performance spaceframes manufactured from filament wound tubes combined with 3D printed joints.
• MCMV GRP Repairs and Upgrades Defence Standards-compliant GRP repair and upgrade services for Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels, performed in-situ at customer shipyards such as Appledore.
• CF-PEEK Aerospace Panels Carbon fibre PEEK (CF-PEEK) aerospace panels for aerospace Tier 1 suppliers, with design freedom for ribs, localised reinforcement and targeted isolated structural load cases.
• UAV and Drone Composite Components High-rate, aerospace-grade composite components for UAVs and drones, including airframes, fuselage shells, launch tubes, wing spars, control surfaces, payload bays and structural frames.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 100,000 parts per year capacity for certain processes
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Jaguar Land RovercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCP Gransden is an advanced composite manufacturing partner in Project Tucana (£35m+ initiative) and Project SOCA for developing lightweight structures for future electric vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover is the UK's largest automotive manufacturer. Consortium projects have won multiple innovation awards including JEC World 2022 and Composites UK 2024 Sustainability & Net Zero Award.
• ThalescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Thales Belfast for manufacturing composite canisters for STARStreak missile system and LMM Lightweight Multi-Role Missile. Thales introduced CCP Gransden to SC21 certification programme and shared development costs. Featured in Thales Economic Impact report. First company in Northern Ireland sponsored by Thales for SC21 Supplier Certification.
• Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC UK)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerProject Tucana and Project SOCA were part-funded by APC UK through Innovate UK, supporting decarbonisation of automotive sector through advanced composite development.
• UK Space AgencymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerESA-ARTES and UK Space Agency funded programme developing composite pressure vessels for spacecraft propulsion. CCP Gransden selected for UKSA Accelerated Export Programme (AIEP) to pitch to leading primes in space sector.
• Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE)coreTechnology or IntegrationActive member of NIACE centre. Initial collaboration with Thales began through a joint research project organised through NIACE.
• National Composites Centre (NCC)coreTechnology or IntegrationActive member of the NCC, participating in UK composites ecosystem and accessing shared research and development resources.
• Composites UKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerActive member of Composites UK trade association. Signatory of Composites UK Skills Pledge. Regular exhibitor on Composites UK pavilion at JEC World.
• ADS GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLongstanding member of ADS Group for many years. SC21 Gold certification issued through ADS. Active participant in ADS NI events and supply chain engagement programmes.
• Make UK DefencecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProud members of Make UK Defence, a national not-for-profit member-owned defence trade association championing and supporting UK defence manufacturers.
• BoeingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected for 2026 Boeing Defence UK Cluster Training Programme, joining a cohort of 15 organisations. Programme designed to strengthen alignment between suppliers and Boeing's supply chain with focus on capability, continuous improvement and long-term collaboration.
• Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Tucana consortium partner alongside CCP Gransden, Jaguar Land Rover, EXPERT Tooling, Broetje-Automation UK, Toray International UK, and The Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS).
• iCOMATsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject SOCA consortium partner alongside CCP Gransden, Jaguar Land Rover, and FAR for developing sustainable composite manufacturing techniques for automotive Body in White structures.
• FAR UK LtdsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject SOCA consortium partner for sustainable composite automotive manufacturing.
• Queen's University BelfastsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaborates with educational institutions including Queen's University Belfast. Supported Project Velocity engineering students as lead sponsor. Engineering team attends ICCM 23 hosted in Belfast.
• Ulster UniversitysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides placement opportunities for Ulster University engineering students. Placement student progressed to MEng at Ulster University after placement at CCP Gransden.
• Harland & WolffsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Harland & Wolff on MCMV GRP repairs and upgrades. Work conducted in-situ at Appledore shipyard for Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels.
• NI SpacecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerActive member of NI Space regional space cluster. Selected for NI Space Ready Programme. Exhibiting at Space Comm 2026 on NI Space pavilion.
• British Embassy ParissupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipated in UK-France Composites Forum at British Embassy Paris alongside Safran, Composites UK, QUB PPRC, AMRC, Henry Royce Institute, and NCC. British Embassy Paris supports UK composites sector valued at £14bn.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Meggitt (Parker Aerospace): Large UK-headquartered aerospace and defence systems supplier with significant composites content in engine and airframe components. Comparable to CCP Gransden as a broader incumbent in advanced composites for aerospace and defence.
• Senior plc: UK-listed engineered components supplier for aerospace, defence and land systems with composites and fluid conveyance capability. Comparable to CCP Gransden as a broader UK aerospace/defence component manufacturer.
• GKN Aerospace: Tier-1 global aerostructures and composites manufacturer serving Airbus, Boeing and major defence primes. A broader incumbent than CCP Gransden, but directly comparable on advanced composite aerostructures and aerospace supply chain.
• Victrex: UK-listed specialist in PEEK- and PAEK-based thermoplastic composites used in aerospace, automotive and energy. Comparable to CCP Gransden on thermoplastic composite (PEEK/PPS) processing capability and aerospace end markets.

Direct peers

• Produmax: UK precision composites manufacturer serving aerospace, medical, defence and industrial customers. Comparable to CCP Gransden on UK aerospace/defence customer base and advanced composite part production.
• Pentaxia: UK advanced composites manufacturer serving aerospace, defence and automotive with high-volume tooling and parts production, including HP-RTM and carbon fibre structural components. Highly comparable to CCP Gransden on customer base, processes and end markets.
• FORMAX: UK-based carbon fibre and advanced composites manufacturer serving automotive, motorsport, aerospace and energy. Highly comparable to CCP Gransden on process range (prepreg, RTM, autoclave) and light-weighting programmes.
• TRB Lightweight Structures: UK-based composites manufacturer producing carbon fibre components for aerospace, motorsport, rail and marine. Comparable to CCP Gransden on composite part manufacturing for safety-critical and weight-sensitive applications.
• SHD Composites: UK-based manufacturer of advanced prepreg materials and composite structures for motorsport, aerospace and industrial applications. Comparable to CCP Gransden on UK advanced composites supply chain and material/process expertise.
• Exel Composites: Global composites manufacturer with pultrusion, pull-winding and filament winding capabilities serving aerospace, defence, wind and industrial markets. Comparable to CCP Gransden on filament-wound pressure vessels and structural composite profiles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CCP_Gransden
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6pkyTnigirzDu8GKjtKIAA
• Facebookfacebook.com/CCPGransden
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2749291

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CCP Gransden