About Us

The Surface Engineering Association provides the 'focus' for all aspects of the surface engineering industry. Through its structures and committees the SEA brings together the membership, resources, technical and industrial expertise of the MFA (Metal Finishing Association), the BSTSA (British Surface Treatment Suppliers Association), the PPFA (Paint and Powder Finishing Association), the CHTA (Contract Heat Treatment Association) and the Wolfson Heat Treatment Centre (WHTC).

The SEA offers a complete package of activities that include:

• interface with government to improve international competitiveness
• consultation with health, safety and environmental specialists at national and international levels
• links with other trade associations
• links with academic institutions for education, training and new technology

The Association prides itself on its ability to give a broad range of 'on the spot' advice on surface engineering matters. Scores of telephone enquiries, together with post, fax and e-mail requests are handled every day.

It's Big Business

Most of the industry operates in the sub-contract sector; i.e. their business expertise is concentrated in offering their processing skills to the component manufacturer. As an estimate there are 600 sub-contract surface engineering companies in the UK, most of who are listed in trade directories. Most are small companies employing less than 50 people, designated as SME's, (small to medium enterprises), and specialise in specific processes.

In addition, a number of larger companies have their own 'in-house' processes, finishing their own manufactured components. In total the industry is a big business and SEA members represent some £1 billion of sales per annum and employ over 10,000 people in the UK.

Why do Small Companies Predominate In The Surface Engineering Sector?

Principally it is because they have developed in support of local engineering companies, which, in turn were established within fairly small manufacturing catchment areas: e.g. automotive supply and fastener production in the West Midlands. There has traditionally been a tendency for companies to work within supply chains within a 30 mile radius, to keep transport costs to a minimum, but as more specialisation and globalisation takes place, sub-contract surface engineers are filling a much wider and much more strategically important international role.