Paragon backs Datum Tool Design with £1.6m funding

Paragon Bank has provided £1.6 million of funding to Northern Ireland-based Datum Tool Design to support a major investment in advanced manufacturing equipment, helping the aerospace tooling specialist increase capacity and take on larger, more complex projects.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Lisburn, Datum Tool Design designs and manufactures high-precision tooling for major aerospace programmes. The company works with leading aerospace manufacturers and their supply chains, including Airbus, Bombardier and BAE Systems, delivering composite tooling, assembly fixtures, trimming and drill tooling, and build-to-print aerospace tooling.

The funding has enabled Datum to acquire a PROMAC SHARAV HGVT 4.0 machine, a 22-metre, five-axis machining centre that is the largest of its type in Ireland. The investment will allow the business to manufacture larger and more complex aerospace tooling in-house, increasing production capacity while improving control over quality, scheduling and delivery.

The purchase forms part of a broader growth strategy aimed at strengthening Datum’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in Northern Ireland. The company has also secured support from the Aerospace Technology Institute as part of a wider investment programme that includes a new facility to house the machine and support future expansion.

The transaction was introduced to Paragon by Paul Close Finance and was led by Joe Blanthorn, Business Development Manager within Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division, with support from Terry Lloyd, Head of Vendor.

Joe Blanthorn said: “Datum Tool Design is a strong example of a specialist UK manufacturer investing for growth. The business has built a reputation over many years for supporting technically demanding aerospace programmes, working with some of the biggest names in the sector.

“This investment gives Datum the ability to take on larger and more complex projects, while bringing more capability in-house. It also shows the important role asset finance can play in helping established SMEs access the high-value equipment they need to improve productivity, compete for new work and support long-term growth.”

Michael Maguire, Director at Datum Tool Design, said the new machine represents a significant milestone in the company’s development.

“Datum has grown by building long-term relationships with customers in the aerospace sector and by focusing on the quality and precision that major aircraft programmes demand,” he said.

“The new five-axis machining centre is a significant investment in the next stage of our development. As the largest machine of its type in Ireland, it gives us greater capacity, more flexibility and the ability to manufacture larger, more complex tooling in-house. Paragon and Paul Close Finance understood the importance of the project and worked with us to put the right funding in place.”

Paul Close, Director at Paul Close Finance, added: “Datum Tool Design is a highly skilled Northern Ireland business with a strong track record in aerospace manufacturing. This was a significant asset purchase, so it was important to work with a lender that understood both the value of the equipment and the wider growth opportunity for the customer.

“Paragon took a practical and supportive approach throughout, helping deliver a funding package that supports Datum’s continued investment in advanced manufacturing.”