Our Mission

JW Kane Precision Engineering (JW Kane) began in 1984 as a sole trader in Unit 4, Tavanagh Industrial Estate, Portadown, with just two employees. By 1988, the team had grown to twelve and invested in its first CNC milling machines. Pictured is Gilbert Burns, one of the company’s earliest and long-standing employees.

In 1988 JW Kane moved into a new, purpose-built 4,800 sq ft factory at Mahon Road, Portadown. Three years later, another CNC milling machine was added, and the workforce grew to sixteen. At the time, most orders came from the likes of Ulster Carpets and Goodyear.

Three years later JW Kane became a limited company and, due to continued growth, relocated to 18 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown in 1991.

In 1994, JW Kane signed a contract with Shorts Brothers, marking the start of our journey into aerospace manufacturing.

In 2005, the company purchased its first 5-axis high-speed milling machine – the Unisign 5P, still in use today. Over the following decade, several more machines were added to support the Shorts Brothers production ramp-up in Belfast, including investment in five new CNC machines for manufacturing titanium hooks.

By 2007, JW Kane had grown to 50 employees and added five new 5-axis milling machines, completely outgrowing its Seagoe Industrial Estate facility. Plans were drawn up for a new, purpose-built site just a short distance away.

In June 2008, we moved into our current 43,000 sq. ft. factory at Charlestown Road Industrial Estate in Portadown and Damian McArdle took over as Managing Director, serving the company from 2008 to 2019.

JW Kane’s commitment to excellence soared from SC21 Bronze in 2010 to Silver in 2011, cementing its global aerospace reputation. In 2012, achieving an Airbus accreditation marked a major milestone, showcasing the company’s high quality standards and capability to supply one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers.

In 2017, JW Kane became an approved supplier for Safran, a leading global aerospace company. This milestone was accompanied by significant investments in a completely new production line, including advanced machines, updated software, and expanded skilled personnel, further strengthening the company’s capabilities and market position

Between 2008 and 2018, JW Kane experienced remarkable growth, increasing annual sales from approximately £2 million to £11 million. This decade of expansion reflected the company’s successful investments in advanced machining technology, workforce development, and strategic partnerships within the aerospace sector.

In 2019, JW Kane was acquired by global aerospace leader Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing Ltd (SAM), marking a new chapter in the company’s journey. This strategic sale brought greater resources, expertise, and international reach, positioning the business for continued success in the competitive aerospace manufacturing industry, and the comp...

As part of its first phase of investment and growth, SAM NI purchased a new 25,000 sq. ft. facility at Charlestown Road Industrial Estate in Portadown next to our existing site, marking a significant milestone in our company’s expansion plans.

SAM NI made history with the installation of Northern Ireland’s first Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) line for CNC machinery, setting a new benchmark for advanced manufacturing in the region.

In 2025, work commenced on phase two of the expansion at Charlestown Road Industrial Estate in Portadown, adding a further 30,000 sq. ft. to the facility and marking the next stage in SAM NI’s growth.