Jon Laughton

Oration for: Jon Laughton

Delivered by: Dr Rob Bolam

I am delighted to present Jon Laughton for the award of Honorary Fellow of Wrexham University.  

Jon has enjoyed a long, illustrious career, spanning 40 years, in the international aerospace industry, including positions at Manufacturing Director and CEO level, working for British Aerospace and SAFRAN. In recognition of his contribution to his industry, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2010.

His academic career began in 1980 where he gained a degree in Metallurgy from Manchester University. He gained an MA from Lancaster Management School in 2004 and an MSc in UAS Technology, Operations and the Law here at Wrexham where he graduated with distinction in 2019.

From 2004 Jon established and ran his own companies, specialising in supporting aerospace companies globally in manufacturing performance, leadership development, supply chain performance, programme management, lean aircraft maintenance and overhaul, and the development of new manned and unmanned aircraft programmes. 

After undertaking his MSc at Wrexham, Jon subsequently became a sessional lecturer supporting the Unmanned Aircraft Sytems (UAS) Masters Programme, developing additional materials related to the construction of fixed wing UAS. He sponsored a substantial improvement in the workshop and laboratory facilities for the degree and led the University’s annual participation in the international ‘Universities UAS Challenge’ which is run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. 

In parallel, Jon supported the exciting development of the Welsh-Government funded ‘Fast Fan’ Project led by Dr Bolam here at Wrexham. This world-leading & ground breaking project is developing a brand-new concept in electrical propulsion for small unmanned aircraft that  could lead to exciting future developments in the area. 

Now semi-retired, Jon enjoys more time pursing his interest in gardening. He also builds and flies precision aerobatics with quite large remote control model aircraft and is the chairman of a local model aircraft club; he has continued to write and record songs with an old university buddy since 1979 – creating what Jon says are ‘the best songs you will never hear’!

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to our University, it is my great pleasure to present Jon Laughton for admission to our highest honour of Honorary Fellowship of Wrexham University.