THE Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop has announced its partnership with global engineering giant, GKN Aerospace.

In a recent visit to the museum, the chief executive and president of GKN Aerospace were given a tour of the impressive exhibits by trustee Paul Edwards MBE and chief executive of the museum, Lucy Johnson. 

Blown away by the depth of content in the museum, GKN Aerospace will now join the museum as a corporate partner and have also given its support to the annual fundraiser Wallop Wheels and Wings by becoming a Platinum sponsor for next year’s event on Saturday, July 13.

The museum's chief executive, Lucy Johnson, said: “At the Army Flying Museum we are always looking to invite like-minded companies to join us as corporate partners and associate with our brand of courage and innovation.

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"We are delighted to announce our new corporate partnership with GKN Aerospace, who are a real driving force in the defence and aerospace sector and we look forward to a close working relationship with them.”

The story of GKN Aerospace was forged in the first fires of the Industrial Revolution and is a story of change and innovation much similar in style to that of British Army Flying. 

The first half of the 20th century saw GKN heavily involved in wartime production with plants becoming controlled establishments, producing steel for a range of military use under the direction of the UK Ministry of Munitions. 

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When war broke out again in 1939, GKN again made a full contribution with its Hadley Works producing Spitfires and the company producing steel, forgings, fasteners, and millions of steel helmets. GKN emerged from wartime as Britain’s biggest steel producer.

Peter Dilnot, chief executive of GKN Aerospace, added: "We are delighted to be joining forces with the Army Flying Museum. GKN Aerospace's history is strongly connected with the development of UK aerospace technology and innovation, and we fully support the museum's dedication to preserving the legacy of British Army Flying.

"We are proud to become a corporate partner and to support Wallop Wheels and Wings. This partnership is a testament to our shared passion for military aviation."