Boost for aerospace sector
THE Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has said it will invest £4.7m in a new facility to support companies in the aerospace sector.
The Composites Certification and Evaluation Centre will be supported by £2.5m of academic commitment and resources from the University of Manchester.
It will be part of the Manchester-based Northwest Composites Centre, which was launched in 2006 to carry out cutting-edge research into composite materials for use in the construction of lighter, more fuel efficient aircraft.
The NWDA said the facility will be “unrivalled” in Europe and has been recognised by the National Composites Network as filling a recognised gap in UK infrastructure.
Mark Hughes, NWDA executive director of economic development, said: “Aerospace is a priority growth sector for the Northwest, with over 800 aerospace companies based in the region that contribute £7bn a year to the Northwest economy.
“This project, which supports the objectives of the Northwest Science Strategy, will assist aerospace supply chain companies in developing new products and speed up the testing and evaluation process, placing them in a stronger position to win new business.”
Meanwhile, the agency has awarded £218,500 to Haydock-based Kapak Foods which it said will create 62 new jobs.
Kapak, which provides product development and packaging services, employs 60 permanent staff and up to 80 additional agency workers. It has a turnover of £2.8m.
The NWDA said the grant will enable it to invest in plant and machinery and increase turnover by £1.2m.
The cash was awared under the NWDA’s Grants for Business Investment scheme which offers regional businesses the help to invest in projects that will increase productivity, skills and employment.
