Special Melted Products Limited (SMP), the University of Sheffield (UoS) and National Taiwan University (NTU) have signed a landmark tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative framework for cutting-edge research and development in advanced materials, manufacturing technologies and net-zero solutions, with SMP playing a central role as the UK industrial hub for parent company Walsin Lihwa’s global R&D activities.
The agreement formalises a trilateral partnership aimed at accelerating innovation in advanced alloys, functional materials, precision and digital manufacturing, smart production systems, and sustainable, low-carbon technologies. A major focus will be the development of an R&D platform by SMP, the UoS and NTU to strengthen nickel-based superalloy manufacturing capabilities.
A key initiative under the MOU is the creation of a virtual Walsin Centre for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, jointly hosted by NTU and the UoS. The centre will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, technical collaboration, equipment sharing and personnel exchange among the three parties, supported by a 25-person R&D centre in Sheffield hosted by SMP close to the UoS.
The MOU outlines:
- Joint Research and Innovation
- Collaborative projects in advanced materials, manufacturing, and net-zero technologies
- Equipment and Facility Sharing
- Access to research infrastructure, governed by each institution’s policies and safety standards
- Personnel Exchange
- Opportunities for researchers, engineers, and students to participate in exchange programs, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building
This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of NTU, UoS, and Walsin Lihwa via SMP to drive technological advancement and sustainability in the global materials and manufacturing sectors, and facilitates close R&D collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), end users and customers, enabling SMP to enhance its position as a key supply chain partner in the markets it chooses to serve. The scale of the research endeavour will bring together researchers, engineers and students across the partner organisations, creating a platform for long-term collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The platform would not be possible without the backing of Walsin Lihwa, whose support is enabling SMP to expand its nickel-based superalloy R&D capabilities in partnership with leading academic institutions. SMP would also like to thank the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for its support.
The MOU was signed on behalf of Walsin Lihwa by Andy Richardson, CEO of Special Melted Products, the UK industrial hub for global R&D activities; on behalf of National Taiwan University by Professor Mao-Hsiung Chiang, Dean of the College of Engineering; and on behalf of the University of Sheffield by Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice Chancellor.
Special Melted Products Ltd (SMP) is proud to announce the signing of two significant multi-year contracts with global engineering giant Rolls-Royce, during the Farnborough International Airshow, with a combined estimated value of $240 million.
The agreements represent a major milestone for SMP and further strengthen its long-standing strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce in the UK, reflecting the confidence placed in SMP’s expertise and manufacturing excellence.
The contract awards also demonstrate the commitment of both organisations to a partnership built on trust and with a shared vision to continue cooperation in working together to deliver exceptional performance, supporting future programme requirements.
“We are delighted to have secured these important long-term contracts with Rolls-Royce with production of all material and parts being manufactured here in the UK, showcasing Sheffield’s world class manufacturing capabilities whilst strengthening the UK’s sovereign capability, and creating economic value” said Andy Richardson, CEO at Special Melted Products Ltd. “These agreements are a testament to the strength of our relationship and the dedication of our people who continue to deliver quality, reliability, and innovation. We greatly value our long-standing partnership with Rolls-Royce and look forward to continuing to build and strengthen our collaboration for many years to come.”
The contracts significantly enhance SMP’s strong platform for continued investment in its people, capabilities and manufacturing excellence. They also reinforce the company’s position as a trusted strategic supplier of high integrity speciality metals to the ever-increasing Aerospace & Defence sector.
Project Vulcan will deliver a reimagined industrial zone — creating highly skilled jobs, driving long-term investment, and bringing renewed energy to the heart of UK high-performance metal manufacturing.
This is just the beginning.
Watch this space 👀👀👀
Outstanding Achievement for the SMP Team
Yesterday marked the successful completion of a seven-day NADCAP full recertification audit covering SMP’s independent test house (CTS), the Chemilab, and Macro Etch.
The outcome speaks volumes about the consistent, world-class standards embedded across our operations — the audit concluded with zero NCRs.
This is an exceptional result for any audit, let alone one of such breadth, depth, and critical aerospace importance. A huge congratulations to everyone involved who uphold these standards every day — not just when an audit is underway.
As our CEO, Andy Richardson, perfectly summed it up:
“Epic result!! Congratulations to all involved. I don’t recall a better audit result. Everyone should be very proud of this achievement. We have tough days, but results like this remind me of the strength of SMP — we truly are the best of the best and are growing to become the UK’s preeminent metals producer.”
👏 Well done to the entire team — a result to be immensely proud of.
#NADCAP #AerospaceQuality #Teamwork #OperationalExcellence #ProudToBeSMP
Once melting is complete, alloys at SMP move into forging and billet conditioning — a critical stage that refines material structure and performance. Here, solidified ingots are transformed into precisely shaped billets and complex shapes, developing the strength, integrity, and consistency required for demanding applications across aerospace, oil & gas, defence, and nuclear sectors.
At the heart of this stage is our GFM Rotary Precision Forge (RPF). This advanced system delivers exceptional accuracy, consistency, and repeatability, enabling tight dimensional control and uniform grain flow. The result is billets with enhanced mechanical properties, optimised for strength and reliability, and ready for downstream processing or machining.
Supporting Processes: Heating, Homogenisation, and Annealing
Forging performance starts well before deformation. SMP’s dedicated suite of furnaces ensures each billet is in optimal condition:
- Homogenisation reduces chemical segregation, promoting more uniform deformation during forging.
- Heating brings material to precise forging temperatures, minimising the risk of cracking or tearing.
- Annealing relieves residual stresses and refines grain structure, improving ductility, toughness, and workability.
Together, these processes ensure every billet enters forging fully prepared — enabling precision shaping and consistent, high-performance outcomes.
Billet Conditioning and Bar Finishing
Once forged, billets pass through SMP’s comprehensive conditioning and finishing facilities, which includes:
- Overhead heat treatment and vertical heat treatment
- Bar finishing to achieve precise dimensions and surface quality
- Immersion ultrasonic testing to check internal integrity and detect inclusions or defects
These steps ensure that the billets are strong, reliable, and ready for the next stage in production, while maintaining SMP’s high quality standards.
Expertise, Precision, and Safety
Behind every successful forge is a team of skilled metallurgists, operators, and engineers. Their expertise, precision, and hands-on experience are vital in maintaining consistency and quality across billets and bars.
Working with steel at high temperatures and under intense pressure requires strict safety protocols and meticulous attention to detail. Every stage – from homogenisation, heating, and forging to conditioning, finishing, and testing – is carefully monitored to protect both staff and product quality. This combination of advanced equipment, technical expertise, and disciplined processes ensures that SMP maintains its reputation for excellence.
Delivering Steel that Performs
Forging and billet conditioning are where SMPs steel truly takes shape. By combining the GFM Rotary Forge, precise supporting processes, billet conditioning, bar finishing and expert oversight, we transform raw material into billets and bars with uniform structure, strength, and reliability.
Every piece of steel leaving SMP is the product of careful preparation, precise forging, and rigorous finishing – ready to meet the highest standards demanded by aerospace, defence, energy, and industrial applications worldwide.
Strengthening UK speciality metal production, critical supply chains, and sovereign capability
Special Melted Products (SMP) is pleased to announce that we have today signed a contract with Danieli Breda for the supply of a new, state-of-the-art forging press as part of our large capital expansion. Project Vulcan represents a major milestone for SMP and a significant boost for UK speciality metals manufacturing.
Project Vulcan highlights SMP’s commitment to advancing speciality metal production capabilities in the UK, securing critical supply chains, and reinforcing national sovereign capability, while also strengthening our position as a trusted supplier to international markets. The new forging press will enable SMP to produce high-integrity steels, superalloys and advanced components for highly regulated, mission-critical sectors such as Aerospace, Energy and Civil Nuclear.
In an industry often highlighted for challenges, SMP exemplifies UK metals manufacturing thriving through innovation and advanced manufacturing, where product safety, reliability and quality are paramount. By expanding our domestic forging capabilities, we help ensure the UK remains self-reliant in key sectors while continuing to meet global demand for high-performance materials. SMP remains one of the world’s pre-eminent producers of alloys for mainline jet engine shafts and other critical rotating parts.
Andy Richardson, CEO/Managing Director of SMP, said:
” Project Vulcan is an exciting step forward for SMP and for the UK speciality metals industry. This new forging press strengthens our capabilities, supports both UK and international supply chains, and reinforces our position as a world-class supplier of high-performance metallic materials and components. Importantly, it also allows us to provide high-quality jobs in the region and retain key skills that are vital to the future of UK advanced manufacturing. Project Vulcan enables SMP to continue to deliver critical products to aerospace, nuclear, and other demanding industries, all manufactured with the expertise that has made SMP and Sheffield a global leader”.
The Danieli Breda forging press represents a major investment in the future of advanced metals production in the UK, whilst driving innovation and reinforcing SMP’s role as a global leader in advanced materials manufacture.
Our Christmas and New Year office hours are outlined above. We close at 4:00pm on the 23rd of December and will reopen on the 2nd of January.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
At Special Melted Products, everything starts with melting. It’s the very first and one of the most critical stages in our manufacturing process – where precision, expertise, and innovation come together to create the high-integrity alloys that our customers rely on across aerospace, oil & gas, nuclear and defence sectors.
Melting isn’t just about turning metal into liquid; it’s about control, integrity, and consistency. At SMP, our state-of-the-art meting facilities ensure that every heat meets the highest standards of quality and performance. This is where the journey begins – transforming carefully selected raw materials into premium quality alloys that form the foundation of everything we produce.
Primary Melting: Precision from the Start
Our melting operations begin with primary melting carried out in two world-class vacuum furnaces:
- Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM):10-ton capacity
- Vacuum Induction Degassing and Pouring (VIDP): 6-ton capacity
These furnaces allow us to melt under vacuum conditions, providing exceptional control over temperature, chemistry, and cleanliness, The vacuum environment prevents contamination from atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, ensuring the production of exceptionally clean steels.
Secondary Remelting: Refining for Perfection
Once the primary melt is complete, the electrode undergoes secondary Remelting to further remove impurities and enhance chemical homogeneity. SMP operates a range of advanced remelting facilities, including:
- Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR): 2 x 10-ton and 3 x 20-ton furnaces
- Electroslag Remelting (ESR): 1 x 10-ton and 1 x 20-ton furnaces
Each process serves a distinct purpose:
- VAR removes dissolved gases by melting under high vacuum and enhances chemical homogeneity and structural integrity through directional solidification.
- ESR melts the electrode using a molten metal-oxide flux. Inclusions are removed by chemical reaction as metal droplets travel through the molten flux.
- Some alloys used in safety critical applications require the use of VIM, ESR and VAR to combine the benefits of each process.
These advanced remelting techniques ensure our alloys achieve the exceptional levels of purity and performance that SMP is known for worldwide.
People and Precision Working Together
Behind every successful melt is a highly skilled team of metallurgists, furnace operators, and engineers. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to safety are what makes SMP’s melting operations world-class.
Working with molten metal at temperatures exceeding 1600◦C requires not only advanced technology but also precision, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the process. From charging the furnace to pouring and analysis, every step is carefully executed to maintain consistency and ensure product excellence.
Setting the Standard for Quality
At SMP, melting is more than just the first stage of production – it’s where quality is built from the very beginning. Through continual investment in our equipment, processes, and people, we ensure that each melt delivers steel with the integrity and reliability our customer’s trust.
Melting is where every products journey begins – and at SMP, it’s where we set the standard for everything that follows.