Slingsby Advanced Composites of Kirkbymoorside, York, has announced it is expanding its design, manufacturing and marketing operations into a new facility in Prestwick, Scotland.
The new site will deal with structural composite and metal structures for the defence, aerospace, marine and rail industries. According to Slingsby, demand for composite fuselage airliners, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has increased by 15 per cent in the last year.
The expansion will create 28 new jobs at the company's Prestwick base. The new investment is being supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant of £250,000.
Managing director Steven Boyd said: ‘It's an exciting time for Slingsby as we embark on a venture that will not only compliment, but also enhance technology in the local community. It is testimony to the skill set, reputation for innovation and capabilities of the people in the area that we as a company chose Ayrshire.’
Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is supporting the company's plans with a £350,000 Training Plus grant. The training programme, which will last until 2010, is to develop the composite manufacturing skills of the new employees the company will recruit.
Jan Reid, team leader, aerospace and defence for Scottish Enterprise said: ‘The Scottish workforce is already recognised by the aerospace industry for its flexibility and adaptability to develop new skills and composite materials technology presents a great opportunity for Scotland to build its expertise in this globally important sector.
‘The technology also draws on a number of strengths in Scotland including our chemicals and textiles industries and we are working to embed composite skills in Scotland, which will have an impact across Scotland.’
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