Astrum (UK) Limited is one of the worlds leading designers and manufacturers of cast steel components and assemblies for the Defence, Intermodal and Construction industries.Astrum, based in County Durham, works in partnership with its customers to provide complete engineering solutions, supplying cast steel products and complex engineering assemblies in high strength steels, other metals and polymers.Astrum primarily operates in three markets. For the Defence market Astrum provides track systems and running gear products including road wheels, suspension castings, sprockets and other essential structural castings for a range of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs). Customers include the UK MoD, overseas governments and AFV original equipment manufacturers such as BAE.For the Earthmoving market the Company works with global companies such as Caterpillar for the manufacture of ground engaging tools and MMD for mineral sizing equipment. These high strength, high durability products are designed to operate in extremely harsh and demanding environments.Astrum also supplies a range of products to the intermodal market, defined as the transportation of goods using containers. The Company specialises in the innovative design and manufacture of intermodal freight components such as twistlocks, corner castings and other container fittings using carbon and stainless steels, and aluminium, for markets such as the nuclear waste industry.Astrum's vision is to be a profitable engineering business that offers its customers added value from design through to manufacture of high integrity alloy steel castings and assemblies for the defence and commercial business sectors. Astrum aims to be the customer's first choice due to its commitment to Quality, Service and Delivery.From a strategic perspective the Company is looking to expand into the global defence market, whilst incorporating the concept of lean manufacturing in the way it conducts all aspects of its business. Astrum's commitment to sustainable continuous improvement is demonstrated by its engagement with SC21. This key programme is overseen by SBAC's Enterprise Excellence Board and continues the work of the Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team. SC21 aims to accelerate the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence industry.