Kewell Converters and the defence sector: Developing custom military foam solutions

Strengthening MOD supply chains: Kewell Converters’ legacy of quality and precision

The military and defence industry demands precision, reliability, and innovation at every turn. When it comes to creating bespoke military foam solutions, Kewell Converters has been a trusted name for decades. Since the mid-1970s, we’ve partnered directly and indirectly with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its extensive supply chain, delivering foam packaging, protective solutions, and components with flair and expertise. Our longstanding commitment to the sector has made us an important partner for some of the most challenging and intricate military projects.

A proud legacy with the military

Our relationship with the defence sector is a source of immense pride for all of us at Kewell Converters. Since our inception, military procurement has been core to our strategy, and we’ve evolved to meet the changing needs of the MOD and its extended network.

Military-related projects contribute significantly to our annual revenue, reflecting the enduring trust placed in us by defence contractors and agencies alike. Over the years, we’ve established lasting partnerships with leading companies, some spanning over 20 years. One such example is QinetiQ, a world-class defence technology company, showing how our focus on consistent delivery, innovation, and collaboration continues to strengthen our support for the MOD and its stakeholders.

Delivering for the defence industry

The defence sector depends on partners who deliver nothing short of perfection, especially for military-grade foam solutions that must meet the highest standards in quality and traceability. At Kewell Converters, we understand these expectations inside out and set out to develop solutions that exceed them.

At Kewell Converters, we specialise in creating complex and custom foam solutions offering high durability and protection using high grade materials. Our range of stocked materials include Zotefoams Plastazote LD24, LD33, and LD45, which meet the grade A, B, and C requirements for DEF STAN 81-116 general packaging (Type GP) and explosive-compatible applications (Type QX). The UK MOD DEF STAN 81-116 specification covers expanded polyethylene for cushioning fragile supplies, a widely used specification in UK defence logistics, and adopted worldwide within the industry.

Comprehensive services for the defence sector

• Packaging and transit solutions

Military operations depend on packaging that can endure extreme conditions. Over years of close collaboration working with many customers in the defence industry, we’ve developed highly secure packaging options to ensure safe storage and transport and our packaging solutions have stood the test of time. We’ve adapted to industry trends, transitioning from traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) to environmentally friendly expanded polyethylene (XPE or PE) —balancing functionality with sustainability.

• Components for military hardware

Our expertise extends beyond product protection. Many of our foam components form integral parts of military hardware, enhancing functionality and safety in mission-critical equipment. For example, we’ve engineered foam liners for securing missile heads in transit and developed impact-absorbing helmet linings and ejection seat systems to ensure safety in some of the defence sector’s most critical gear.

Why defence contractors choose Kewell Converters

Three values define Kewell Converters’ relationship with the defence industry: precision, quality, and trust.

We combine cutting-edge manufacturing processes with an in-depth understanding of military requirements to deliver foam solutions that exceed expectations. Every stage of our production process—from design to delivery—is underpinned by rigorous quality control and guaranteed compliance with military-grade standards.

Highlights of our credentials include:

• JOSCAR Certification

Kewell Converters is proudly JOSCAR registered, a prestigious accreditation that streamlines procurement for defence, aerospace, and security industries. This demonstrates our commitment to compliance and quality.

• NATO Stock Numbers (NSN)

Many of our products are assigned NATO Stock Numbers, verifying that they meet the highest international standards. This opens doors for our solutions to be used across multiple military operations worldwide.

• Full traceability

Every material we handle comes with comprehensive traceability, ensuring meticulous standards are met at every step. Our track record? We’ve passed inspections every time.

Looking towards a future of innovation

Few industries are as demanding as the military and defence, but for us, this challenge is a source of inspiration. The confidentiality, stringent standards, and need for flawless execution motivate us to constantly innovate and deliver solutions that support and strengthen military operations.

If you’re part of the defence supply chain seeking a reliable partner for custom military-grade foam solutions, Kewell Converters is ready to help. With decades of expertise, highly skilled and experienced engineers, and the ability to tackle the most complex projects, we’re here to ensure your mission’s success. Contact us today for more information.

Learn more about Kewell Converters from our machine capabilities to our corporate social responsibility policy.