Alun Reece, CEO and founder of Loop Technology, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to the Composites Industry Award at the 2026 Composites UK Awards Dinner on 4 November, recognising his career-long commitment to innovation and the advancement of composite manufacturing.
Alun founded Loop Technology in 1998 and has since grown it into a global industrial automation specialist, building cutting-edge systems at the frontier of advanced manufacturing.
A defining achievement of his career has been the development of FibreLINE, an ultra-high-rate manufacturing line for aerospace composite structures, including wings and empennage. Under Alun’s leadership, the technology has progressed through a number of major aerospace programmes, demonstrating the potential of advanced automation to transform composite manufacturing.
The technology was first developed in Belfast for Bombardier in 2014 before progressing to the NCC as part of Airbus’ Wing of Tomorrow programme. Most recently, it has been developed further at the University of Sheffield AMRC’s new COMPASS facility as part of the Boeing-led IHSS project.
Alun also played a pivotal role, alongside AMRC’s Rob Hewison, in establishing the COMPASS facility, helping to develop the concept, secure investment and integrate advanced automation. The facility officially opened in July 2026.
His contribution extends beyond the technology itself. Alun has fostered a collaborative, ‘can-do’ culture at Loop Technology, bringing together colleagues, suppliers, customers and research organisations to tackle ambitious manufacturing challenges and make significant advances in a relatively short period.
Matt Hardman, Global Head of Sales at Loop Technology, who nominated Alun for the award, said: “Alun’s contribution goes far beyond the success of Loop Technology. He has spent his career pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automation and composite manufacturing, while bringing people and organisations together to make those ideas a reality. His vision, collaborative approach and determination have been instrumental in his success, but it is his integrity, professionalism and willingness to share his knowledge that make him such a valued figure within our community. I’m delighted to see his contribution recognised with this award.”
The Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award recognises Alun’s career-long contribution to advancing automation and supporting the development of innovative composite manufacturing technology in the UK.
Registration for the awards dinner is open now, here.
Website: www.looptechnology.com