Dowty Propellers has announced exciting plans to create a new facility in the Gloucester area.

It has been operating from an interim facility at Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean since November 2015 after a massive blaze destroyed its Staverton base in February that year.

The team will transfer to the new facility when it is operational in 2019.

The leading manufacturer of aircraft propeller systems for both civil and military applications currently has about 340 employees in the Gloucester area.

The exact location of the new facility will be determined by the end of this year on completion of a tender process to ensure that the best combination of cost and efficiency can be achieved.

Dowty Propellers has also announced the commencement of a £20million technology development project to deliver capabilities for both propeller systems and future propulsion systems.

The project, Digital Propulsion, is match funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, with a grant of £9.5million, and overseen by Innovate UK.

Partners include the National Composites Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

These two projects represent the largest ever investment in Dowty Propellers.

Dowty Propellers president Oliver Towers said: "We are delighted to be continuing our long history with the Gloucester area.

"The decision to stay in this area was driven by the capabilities and commitment of our workforce that stretches back over 80 years.

"This decision, along with our launch of the UK-supported Digital Propulsion project, will enable us to maintain our position as a world leader in propeller systems with the latest technology, supported by world-class research and development."

Business Minister Richard Harrington said Dowty Propellers decision to set up a new facility demonstrated the sustained strength of the UK's aerospace sector as well as growing quality skilled local jobs.

"Boosting innovation is a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy," he said. "That's why the government is supporting Dowty Propellers' new technology project, helping to secure investment and future export success."

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Picture credit: wikimedia 

Readers' comments:

Cllr Douglas Scott: It's a shame for Mitcheldean and the Forest of Dean as a whole because we have a great workforce and can prove to large employers we have the skills to offer them.

But to be based in Gloucestershire is a boost in itself and it wouldn't be surprising to see it built at the Bishop's Cleeve site where GE already exists and they have the space to build it.