Advanced Ceramic Engineering Ltd (ACE) is a company based in Northern Ireland that specializes in the production and design of precision and technical ceramics. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, ACE has become a leading supplier of alumina components in the UK and worldwide. But what many may not know is that the company has a rich history and has evolved from its roots in the former Wade/Seagoe Ceramics plant in Craigavon.
Seagoe Ceramics was a well-established and renowned manufacturer of high-grade and purity alumina ceramics. The company served various industries such as electronics, aerospace, chemical processing, vacuum and semi-conductor, pump and valve, lasers, medical, and wear applications. Their products were known for their durability, precision, and advanced technology, earning them the reputation of being one of the top ceramic engineering companies in the UK.
However, in 2001, the Wade Group, the parent company of Seagoe Ceramics, faced financial difficulties and went into administration. This resulted in the closure of the Seagoe factory, leaving behind a legacy of skilled employees and decades of expertise in the production and design of precision and technical ceramics.
It was in this backdrop that Advanced Ceramic Engineering Ltd was formed in 2002. Most of the employees of ACE were ex-Seagoe, with many of them having worked at the company for over 40 years. With the closure of Seagoe, these experienced individuals found a new home at ACE, and their skills and knowledge continued to thrive and evolve.
ACE shares many production similarities with Seagoe, from the use of raw milled alumina to isostatic pressing, “green” machining, sintering, and diamond grinding. This continuity in methods and techniques was essential in maintaining the high-quality standards that Seagoe was known for. However, it was not just about following traditional methods; ACE also embraced innovation and the latest technologies to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving ceramic industry.
With a team of experienced and skilled employees, combined with the latest innovations, ACE quickly became a formidable force in the field of precision and technical ceramics. The company’s focus on continuous improvement and staying ahead of the curve has allowed them to expand their product range and services, catering to a diverse range of industries.
Today, ACE is a world-renowned supplier of alumina components, with a strong presence in the UK and a growing customer base worldwide. The history and experience of Seag
