£7m factory investment for aerospace manufacturer

FAMILY-RUN aerospace and aeronautic manufacturer Sylatech is investing £7m in a 55,000 sq ft production facility.

The business,based in Pickering in North Yorkshire, is expecting to create more jobs with the development, which will see it relocate 170 staff to the new site from its “outdated” premises and develop a technology hub in the area.

Sylatech’s new factory, based at a former natural gas processing plant, will have three levels housing production, office and research facilities.

It has also engaged Carter Jonas to submit planning permission to Ryedale District Council for a further 130,000 sq ft of commercial space adjacent to Thornton Road Industrial Estate.

Kirbymoorside-based Sylatech designs and manufactures components for aerospace, satellite and defensive systems, and shares its technology with one other company, which is based in Massachusetts, USA.

Mark Chappell, Sylatech Chairman, said: “The business was founded in 1964 and remains family owned.

“We are proud of our Yorkshire heritage and our highly skilled workforce and we are keen to further develop the firm, whilst keeping true to our roots.

“Our business is unique in the UK and this expansion is vital to enable us to compete on the world stage, whilst securing 170 jobs right here in Ryedale.”

David Boulton, head of planning in the North at Carter Jonas said: “This is a major positive development which aims to retain a specialist manufacturing business and a locally skilled workforce in the area. The proposals have evolved to address many issues and, if approved, will be a significant asset to this part of Ryedale.

“It shows that innovative businesses can thrive in a rural location and provide both excellent employment prospects and a wonderful living environment – the best of both worlds.”