Aircelle expansion to create 150 new jobs in Burnley
EXPANSION by aerospace systems manufacturer Aircelle is set to create 150 jobs in Burnley.
The firm, which already has a site off Bancroft Road, has signed an agreement with the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to rent Michelin’s former site just across the road, which is owned by the agency. The lease agreed is for 25 years.
The £3m refurbishment of the building is being funded by the NWDA and will allow Aircelle to begin full-scale manufacturing in the premises in late 2008.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “The NWDA bought the former Michelin site in order to encourage employment creation and regeneration in Burnley and I am delighted Aircelle has made this commitment to the town.
“We are keen to establish and grow the aerospace sector, which is vital in Lancashire, offering huge opportunities for local people and making a valuable contribution to the local and regional economy.”
He added: “Additionally, the confidence shown by Aircelle in Burnley will inspire other advanced manufacturers to base their businesses here, leading to redevelopment of the entire site.”
Andrew White, managing director of Aircelle, said that the development of the Michelin facility would allow the firm to expand its nacelles and thrust reverser systems manufacturing capability and significantly grow the business in Burnley.
“We are delighted that this will allow us to provide development opportunities for our existing employees and offer new employment opportunities for the Burnley community,” he added.
” We believe this will signify only the first steps towards making Aircelle the most prestigious employer in the area.”
Construction company Morgan Ashurst, which has local offices in Salford Quays, won the contract to transform the football pitch sized warehouse into a manufacturing and office complex.
The company is also improving street lighting around the building, installing new access ramps, creating a 39-space car park and loading areas plus traffic routes and walkways.
The warehouse complex in Dundee Road, Burnley, is part of the NWDA’s ongoing regeneration plan for the area.
It is supporting the development of an enterprise strategy in Burnley that will deliver a positive step change in enterprise culture, embed innovation and entrepreneurialism in new further education and higher education provision, as well as making the town more responsive to local business needs.
Last November work began on construction of the college and university campus and the expansion of Aircelle kickstarts the NWDA’s aims to attract more employers to Burnley.
The investment forms part of a wider initiative being led by the regional development agency in conjunction with local partners to help transform the business, skills and enterprise base within the Pennine Lancashire economy.
The NWDA and Burnley Council are currently developing proposals in order to secure development partners to redevelop the wider site with a focus upon manufacturing.
