Great news from our Corporate Patron, Collins Aerospace who following a £16m investment at its Kilkeel site will see the development of a new generation of aircraft passenger seats.
The US company, which employs around 800 people at its factory in Kilkeel, said the research and development (R&D) programme will see the firm produce a new range of seats for wide body and twin aisle aircraft.
The R&D investment by Collins Aerospace, owned by the US-based RTX Corporation, was announced by Joe Kennedy III, US Special Envoy to NI for Economic Affairs.
Mr. Kennedy visited the company’s Kilkeel premises while leading a delegation of US Senior Business Officials to Northern Ireland last year.
The hugely exciting project will help elevate their offering to their global client base and highlight the skills and expertise of their team in Kilkeel as well as the strong and growing pipeline of talent in the region.
The business is a key component of NI’s aerospace cluster, which is responsible for manufacturing 30% of the seating demanded by the global aviation industry.
The R&D investment has been supported by Invest NI and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Joe Kennedy III, US Special Envoy to NI for Economic Affairs said:
“Over the last 50 years in the global aviation seating market, RTX, through its Collins Aerospace business in Kilkeel, has contributed to Northern Ireland’s thriving aerospace sector.”
“It was a pleasure to visit the company and see first-hand its research and innovation. This new investment will see it design and manufacture its new line of passenger seats which will help further its export growth ambitions.”
“Companies like Collins Aerospace, that have a long history in Northern Ireland, are a testament to the benefits of investing here.”
Alan Henning, MD of Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel commented:
“This R&D investment aimed to create the most efficient production system for a new, innovative and highly complex aircraft seat that is far superior to anything else currently on the market.”
“Our team in Kilkeel have a strong reputation for R&D and innovation excellence and were well-positioned to undertake this challenging project.”
Mel Chittock, Interim Chief Executive of Invest NI added:
“The decision to locate this significant R&D project in Collins Aerospace’s Kilkeel facility reflects the confidence that the company has in the team there and in Northern Ireland’s advanced engineering capability.”
“Invest NI has supported the growth and development of the team over a number of years, providing assistance with skills improvement, research and development and smart manufacturing approaches.”
To find out more about Collins Aerospace, please visit:
www.collinsaerospace.com