Coventry, UK - This year marks an important milestone for the I M Kelly Group as the business celebrates 50 years of manufacturing, craftsmanship and interior trim experience.
Founded in 1975, the Group has grown and adapted over the decades while retaining many of the hands-on skills that shaped its early reputation. The business was built on its automotive interior trim experience, including work for marques such as Aston Martin and Bentley, before those skills were applied across other specialist transport sectors. Today, that experience continues through I M Kelly R & A in Coventry, where the team supports aerospace seating and cabin interior programmes with a focus on careful workmanship, material knowledge and consistent production.
From Traditional Skills to Modern Aerospace Work
The story of I M Kelly Group is closely linked to the development of specialist trim skills. Over time, these skills have been applied to increasingly technical environments, including aircraft interiors, where attention to detail, repeatability and documentation all play an important role.
Much of the work still depends on experienced people, whether cutting, sewing, trimming, assembling or checking finished parts. Alongside this, modern processes and customer requirements have helped shape the way the business manages materials, production planning and programme support.
Aerospace Interiors in Focus
Within the aerospace sector, IMKRA’s work includes seating trim and cabin interior components used across different cabin environments. This can include seat covers, armrests, privacy screens, cut carpets and other trimmed parts that form part of the wider passenger experience.
The materials used in this area are varied, ranging from leather and synthetic alternatives to suede, fabrics, Tedlar and decorative laminates. Each brings its own handling requirements, which makes practical material knowledge an important part of the manufacturing process.
Evolving with the Industry
Aerospace interiors have changed significantly over past years. Passenger expectations, cabin layouts, materials and maintenance requirements have all evolved, and suppliers have had to adapt with them.
Current themes across the sector include lighter materials, improved durability, more efficient refurbishment and greater attention to sustainability. For IMKRA, these changes have meant continuing to develop its processes while keeping the craft-based knowledge that remains central to interior trim work.
People, Quality and Attention to Detail
Behind every trimmed component is a combination of people, process and quality control. In aerospace interiors, small details matter, from the way a material is handled to the way a finished part is checked and prepared for delivery.
The 50-year anniversary is also a reminder of the contribution made by the teams who have helped the Group build and maintain its manufacturing knowledge over time. Their experience remains an important part of how the business approaches new and existing aerospace programmes.
Looking Ahead
As the I M Kelly Group looks to the future, the aerospace sector remains an important part of its story. The business will continue to build on its experience in interior trim, combining established craft skills with the changing requirements of modern cabin and seating programmes.
