More jobs at Airbus centre of excellence

Dec 12 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

AN aircraft engineering company is to create 44 jobs and become a UK centre of excellence in manufacturing parts.

CAV Aerospace, of Consett, is to invest almost £7m in the project.

The company makes aircraft components, including stringers (wing parts) for Airbus and ice protection systems for business jets, military and smaller aircraft.

The 44 jobs will span a range of disciplines, from machinists and quality managers to HR support and dispatch.

The company will also invest in a CNC Longbed Machine and additional plant to create a UK stringer centre of excellence.

CAV Aerospace business analyst Garry Luke said: “Becoming the Stringer Centre of Excellence in the UK is a major boost for the business as this prestigious accolade is awarded by Airbus and will secure work at the plant for the next 25 years. By investing in new, state-of-the-art equipment we will be able to transfer stringer manufacturing work from the USA into the UK, giving us a competitive edge and creating a number of valuable jobs in the region”

The company has secured a £249,000 grant from development agency One NorthEast. The agency’s director of business and industry Ian Williams said the company was helping raise the region’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“CAV supply their customers with world class aerospace engineering solutions, including full component treatments that span through to the finished painted product.

“Its ice protection system for business jets, small cargo freighters, military and general aviation applications is a market leader. This investment will create a number of essential manufacturing jobs at the Consett site and it is great that One NorthEast is able support the firm at this important stage in its growth.”

Started in 1990 by now chief executive Owen McFarlane, the firm began producing parts for the BAe executive jet with just 10 staff and today employs 420 people. It expects to turn over £40m this year and at least £62m in 2008.