Moog confirms move to i54 business park

AEROSPACE technology company Moog has confirmed that it plans to move its Wolverhampton operation from its current base to the i54 business park.

A planning application for the £15m project will be submitted to South Staffordshire District Council today and it is due to be considered by the authority on November 9.

The short move by Moog along the Wobaston Road, in Pendeford, will safeguard 400 jobs in the region and, if given the green light by planning chiefs, is expected to be completed by September 2012.

It will involve the construction of brand new facility which will house the design, development and manufacturing activities of the actuation systems company.

Stuart Mclachlan, director and general manager at Moog, said: “This is a key strategic move for Moog, providing the opportunity to build a first class facility which will allow us to support and build on our market leading position.”

Advantage West Midlands says it expects to offer financial support for the scheme and discussions with Moog are currently ongoing, with a further announcement due by the end of the month.

AWM chief executive Mick Laverty added: “The fact that a high-value company like Moog wants to stay in the region is very welcome news indeed.

“Our aim now is that other companies will follow their lead, recognising the value of moving to the i54 site with its strategic transport links via the M54.”

i54 is a 96-hectare, on-going business park development south of Junction 2 of the M54 which will eventually create around 6,000 technology-based jobs.