GRI Group joins Executive Alliance in bid to celebrate iconic aircraft

A Sheffield business has become the latest company to join a fundraising initiative to preserve the legacy of a British icon and inspire future generations.

GRI Group has joined the ‘Vulcan 558 Executive Alliance’, a membership group created by The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST). VTST, the charity behind the iconic Avro Vulcan XH558 aircraft, is fundraising for an inspirational Heritage Hangar at Doncaster Sheffield Airport – The Vulcan Experience.

The experience will have Vulcan XH558 as its centrepiece. It will focus on educating and inspiring the next generation of engineers and also house The Green Technology Hub, aimed at finding solutions to the climate challenge through innovation and aerospace technology.

The Vulcan Experience will also house a V-Force Memorial, honouring the men and women of the Royal Air Force’s V-Force squadrons who served the nation during the Cold War.

GRI Group develops, manufactures and distributes chemical ingredients for personal care, household care, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, for a global customer base.

It is the 10th business to join the Alliance, which is open to companies across the UK. Other members include CBE+, Roxiva Innovations Ltd, Exa Networks, Castings Technology Ltd, Macalloy, SDL Minorfern, MacDermid Performance Solutions UK Ltd and Castle Square Corporate Finance.

As a member of the Alliance, GRI Group’s name or logo will be displayed in perpetuity on a dedicated members’ wall in the Heritage Hangar and on a virtual wall on the VTST website. The business will also receive a package of benefits including a certificate to commemorate its support, access to networking opportunities and other perks.

Graham Royle, Chairman and CEO of GRI Group Ltd said: “GRI Group are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to join the incredibly exciting Vulcan 558 Executive Alliance project for four key reasons: The AVRO Vulcan was technically way ahead of its time and XH558 was the last flying Vulcan, which must be maintained and preserved for posterity.

“The Vulcan Heritage Experience will also provide pleasure for the public as an enthralling and educational day out. I have seen XH558 flying at air shows for decades and it truly is a magnificent sight, and it will still be totally breath-taking standing proud in its new hangar.

“There is a significant and growing shortage of engineers in the UK and The Vulcan To The Sky Trust aims to showcase the Vulcan to inspire future generations of children to study STEM subjects and to seek to enjoy exciting and rewarding careers in engineering, science and technology.

“Adding environmental credentials in the form of The Green Technology Hub will further enhance the attraction and will help visitors to recognise the importance of new technologies delivering anti-pollution solutions to global travel.

“None is this can be possible without the generous support of businesses and the public alike, so hopefully our involvement will encourage others to climb on board!”

John Sharman, chair of VTST, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome GRI Group to the Executive Alliance. In joining the Alliance, they are demonstrating their commitment to securing the legacy of Vulcan XH558, an example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best.

“As well as celebrating the remarkable story of XH558, the Heritage Hangar will be an immersive and educational experience to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in STEM subjects.

“Companies like GRI Group have taken advantage of a unique opportunity to be part of history and to play a role in supporting the future of aircraft engineering in this country.

“With their support, we are one step closer to creating a stunning new home for XH558 here in South Yorkshire.”

An initial 558 members are being sought for the Executive Alliance. Other sponsorship options are available on request.

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