B/E Aerospace doubles production capacity

B/E Aerospace in Kilkeel, one of the world's leading manufacturers of cabin interior products, has announced the opening of newly expanded facility and the creation of 200 new jobs.

Attracting £3 million in support from Invest Northern Ireland, the expansion by the US-owned company has doubled the plant's current assembly capacity, allowing a strengthening of export capability.

Speaking at the official opening Clifford McSpadden, the Vice President and Managing Director of B/E Aerospace, said: "This newly expanded plant is the largest aircraft seat production facility within the aerospace industry. The new capacity ensures our ability to satisfy the long-term needs of our growing customer base."

Congratulating the company on the project, Invest NI Chief Executive Leslie Morrison said: "This expansion marks a highly significant chapter in the development of B/E Aerospace and is a testament to its continued success. By investing in improved research and development the company is helping to safeguard its future and enhance its ability to compete at a global level."

B/E Aerospace has worked closely with both the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast in developing its seating centre of excellence.

The new expansion will help to stimulate further research programmes with both universities and will potentially create a number of mutually beneficial spin-out projects.

Invest NI hope that the expansion will also increase the potential for additional supply chain opportunities for Northern Ireland and significantly improve the province's aerospace capability.

(SP/GB)