Meet the Team: Jason Whittle General Manager, 91²Ö¿â Bulwell Added 22/9/2026
Jason Whittle began his career with 91²Ö¿â Henton, formerly Henton Engineering, 40 years ago. His career has since taken him across the aerospace industry, including around 25 years with Parker Meggitt, before he returned to 91²Ö¿â three years ago as Group Supply Chain Director.
Now General Manager at 91²Ö¿â Bulwell, Jason brings extensive experience in operations and supply chain to the site as 91²Ö¿â continues to invest in its people, capabilities and manufacturing operations.
In our latest Meet the Team Q&A, Jason discusses his route into aerospace, returning to 91²Ö¿â and his ambitions for Bulwell.
Jason, can you tell us about your career journey and what brought you back to 91²Ö¿â?
I began my career as an apprentice at what is now 91²Ö¿â Henton, so returning to 91²Ö¿â brought my career full circle.
After my apprenticeship, I moved into purchasing with another aerospace company before spending around 25 years with Parker Meggitt, predominantly within its aftermarket divisions. During that time, I gained extensive experience across operations and supply chain.
When the opportunity arose to return to 91²Ö¿â, I was excited to come back to the business where my aerospace career began. I was able to bring the experience I had gained elsewhere in the industry back into 91²Ö¿â and contribute to the continued development of the business.
What first attracted you to a career in aerospace engineering?
When I left school, I knew I wanted to pursue engineering, although I did not initially know which area.
I visited several engineering companies and learned about the different types of work they were doing. When I heard about manufacturing parts for aircraft, it immediately captured my interest. I remember thinking it sounded like a fascinating industry to be part of.
Forty years later, aerospace remains an incredibly exciting industry to work in.
Was engineering always the career path you had in mind?
No. At one stage, I considered following in my father's footsteps and becoming a lorry driver. At the time, you had to be 21 to become a Class 1 driver, so I started exploring other options.
I initially considered becoming a lorry mechanic, but there were very few work experience opportunities available. Engineering was suggested as an alternative, and that decision ultimately led me into aerospace.
What has been your proudest achievement at 91²Ö¿â over the past year?
Seeing the team come together and use each other's strengths has been particularly rewarding.
There is a great deal of knowledge and experience at Bulwell. Seeing people develop, take ownership and work together towards common goals has been a real achievement. Having an engaged team is fundamental to driving the business forward.
What do you enjoy most about your role as General Manager?
I enjoy being focused on clear goals and seeing tangible results. That might mean responding to an urgent customer requirement, achieving operational targets or improving the way components move through the shop floor.
Continuous improvement is an important part of manufacturing. Finding ways to remove non value added activities, improve efficiency and resolve existing challenges can make a significant difference to our operations and ultimately to our customers.
What makes 91²Ö¿â Bulwell stand out?
The strength of the site is its people. We have an experienced and resilient team with a genuine desire to improve and work together.
We are also investing in the site and moving the business forward. Bringing that investment together with the knowledge and capabilities of our people puts Bulwell in a strong position to continue supporting our aerospace customers.
Finally, can you share something about yourself that people might not know?
My surname is Whittle, which inevitably leads to the occasional question about Sir Frank Whittle, one of the pioneers of the jet engine.
Considering I have spent my career in aerospace, it would make a great story if we were related, but unfortunately there is no family connection that I know of!
