Cheshire aerospace firm in manufacturing move
AN aerospace consultancy company has unveiled plans to move into manufacturing, a move that will create 160 jobs in the next five years.
Cheshire-based AvSupport is moving from Macclesfield to Alderley Park – the former headquarters of pharmaceutical group AstraZenceca – where it is taking a 10,000 sq ft unit.
The company currently designs systems for aircraft and says its move into manufacturing will lead to its components compete with products currently produced in the US and China.
Founder and managing director Paul Heaton said: “We are very excited at our move into manufacturing and our relocation to Alderley Park. We believe that with our plans and the help and support of Cheshire East Council we will create a great number of new job opportunities over the next few years.
“We are raising funds through private investors and have also succeeded in getting a grant from NATEP, the aerospace development fund.
“We have been working on these plans for the last year, and I’ve been encouraged by the level of support and advice for industry – it’s not always been the case over my career in the sector.”
AvSupport specialises in the design and development of air distribution systems made from composite materials. It also provides aircraft manufacturers with support and assistance on sales, marketing, project engineering, programme management and design engineering.
Its customers are makers of commercial, military, fixed-wing and rotary aircraft and unmanned drones, including recent programmes with Bombardier Aerospace and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
Cheshire East Council’s business engagement team will be assisting the company with recruitment and funding for equipment and machinery.
Cllr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “AvSupport’s plan to move to Alderley Park is a great boost for the council’s efforts to attract advanced manufacturing companies to expand in the borough. The company is a leader in a dynamic, global industry and we look forward to it creating many high-value jobs.”
