MTL Group First UK Company to be Awarded TL Approval by German Army

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by MTL Group

MTL Group Ltd, a global supplier of processed armour steel, has become the first company in the UK to be awarded TL approval from the German Federal Armed Forces, Bundeswehr (BWB).

TL approval is a pre-requirement for any company wanting to supply components to the BWB. "Exports have become an essential part of MTL Group's growth over the past two years," says managing director Dr Henry Shirman. "Being the first UK company to be awarded TL approval by the BWB is a massive step in developing relationships with Europe's global OEMs who provide armoured vehicles to the BWB."

After a rigorous audit of both MTL Group's systems and capabilities at their site, the Sheffield-based company passed first time in all areas and was awarded the approval in late December 2009. TL approval now allows MTL to supply components manufactured from armour steel in accordance with strict German defence manufacturing standards for contracts specifically related to the BWB.

Over the past few years MTL Group has invested heavily in the latest processing equipment including bevel laser cutting, robotic pressing, water jet cutting, CNC machining and robotic welding. Processing about 2000 tonnes of armour per year, MTL can supply components in both blast and ballistic grade armour ranging from laser and water jet cut plates including weld preparations up to fully fabricated structures including hulls and cabs.

MTL also stocks and processes other grades of material including high strength, abrasive resistant and standard steel grades. MTL currently supplies components to mainland Europe, Middle East, North Africa and North America.