Datum Design
UK-based aerospace tooling engineering company specializing in composite tooling design, precision manufacturing, and engineering consultancy for major airframe manufacturers.
- CEO / Founder
- Michael Maguire
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Debt
- Key Investors
- Paragon Bank (asset finance); Invest Northern Ireland (grant)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Composite tooling design and manufacturing; Mould tools for autoclave processing (Invar, steel, aluminium); RTM/RTI tooling; Assembly fixtures; Trim and drill fixtures; Build-to-print aerospace tooling; Design-only engineering services; Vacuum chucks; Master models; CATIA V5 GPS/GAS engineering
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Independent specialist providing end-to-end aerospace composite tooling design and manufacturing with deep expertise in complex primary structures, advanced moulding techniques (RTM, RTI, SQRTM), and long-standing relationships with OEM and Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers.
How They Differentiate
Independent specialist with 28+ years focused exclusively on aerospace composite tooling; expertise spans from simple fairings to integrally stiffened wings and fuselage sections; advanced moulding techniques including SQRTM for one-shot composite parts; strong staff retention (7yr avg tenure); global partnerships with tool makers in USA, Australia, Europe, and UK.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Major airframe manufacturers (Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, BAE Systems), Tier 1 aerospace suppliers, global tool manufacturers serving the aerospace supply chain, and automotive OEMs including Aston Martin and Formula One teams.
Industry Verticals
Aerospace; Automotive; Defence
Competitors
Liebherr-Aerospace (tooling division); Fives Machining Systems (aerospace tooling); other independent UK aerospace composite tooling design firms
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
Founded 1996 in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland; 2016: $1M+ contract with X'ian Aircraft Corporation (China) and 13 new skilled jobs announced; 2016: £785K manufacturing capability investment supported by Invest NI; 2025-2026: LATCAP collaboration with Queen's University Belfast awarded £6.3M ATI funding; 2026: £1.6M Paragon Bank asset finance for PROMAC SHARAV HGVT 4.0 5-axis CNC machine (largest in Ireland)
Notable Customers
Airbus (France, Germany, UK); Boeing; Bombardier; BAE Systems; Gulfstream; X'ian Aircraft Corporation (AVIC China); HAL India; Quickstep Australia; Aston Martin; GKN; Formula One teams; Dassault; Embraer