Slingsby Advanced Composites announces major new investment in Prestwick
Advanced composite materials such as carbon and glass fibre enable air frames to be lighter, stronger, more cost effective and kinder to the environment than equivalent metal airframes. Demand for composite fuselage airliners, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has increased by 15 per cent in the last year.
Managing Director, Steven Boyd, a former apprentice of British Aerospace, Prestwick said, "It's an exciting time for Slingsby as we embark on a venture that will not only compliment, but enhance technology in the local community. Having spent over ten years working for BAe, 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.
Stuart Brown, Finance Director, added; "We are growing as a business and strengthening our market position. Many new projects are in discussion with current customers and we anticipate them coming to fruition in the not too distant future, hence it will necessitate the need for skilled people across many disciplines. The expansion will create 28 new jobs at the company's Prestwick base and the new investment is being supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant of £250,000."
Announcing the support, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather MSP said; "Slingsby's plan to invest in this new facility at Prestwick brings welcome jobs to the area and demonstrates Scotland's clear strengths in the manufacturing industry sector.
"Having had another lengthy dialogue with the aerospace sector again this week, it is encouraging to have a company aiming to strengthen Scotland's aerospace engineering portfolio, which will undoubtedly contribute to achieving increased sustainable economic growth."
Lena Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Enterprise, said; "Today's announcement is tremendous news for Prestwick and will bolster Scotland's excellent reputation in the global aerospace industry.
"Build rates for civil aircraft are accelerating and new types of aircraft are regularly being introduced with the amount of composites used increasing rapidly. We should be proud that aircraft that will be flying all throughout the world in years to come will have 'made in Scotland' stamped on their airframes."
Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is also 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."
About Slingsby
Slingsby Advanced Composites, founded in 1939 employs 120 people at its Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire facility. A leading company in the design, development, manufacture and support of Advanced Composites structures and assemblies for aerospace and defence systems across air, land and sea platforms. Slingsby specialises in Unmanned Airframe Vehicle aerostructures, Fixed and Rotary Wing Helmets, Civil Aerospace Aerostructures, Emergency Door Systems and Stealthy Structures for Naval Defence applications.
About Regional Selective Assistance
Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry. It provides discretionary grants for investment projects that will create or safeguard jobs in Assisted Areas. The scheme is administered by the Innovation and Investments Grants unit of the Scottish Executive. Payment of RSA is made in instalments, typically over several years, provided that job and project expenditure targets are met. The amount quoted above represent the maximum grant potentially payable if the project is satisfactorily completed. Job numbers are based on the firms' forecast at the time a grant is offered, and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the business concerned.
For further information on the scheme visit www.rsascotland.gov.uk
About Scottish Development International
Scottish Development International works to attract inward investment and knowledge to Scotland in order to help the economy grow. SDI also works to help Scottish companies do more business overseas and to promote Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business. It is jointly operated by the Scottish Executive and Scottish Enterprise. Its work is guided by the global connections theme of the Scottish Executive's Smart Successful Scotland strategy for economic development in Scotland.