Safran Landing Systems has opened a new engineering and support centre in Gloucester.

The inauguration of the building is part of a three-phase investment project at the Gloucester site on Ashville Business Park, near Gloucestershire Airport on Cheltenham Road East.

It includes the renovation of existing facilities, the construction of new buildings and the creation of a showroom. 

The new three-storey building, which cost around £9.3m, was designed by Gloucester-based architects Roberts Limbrick and built by city-based construction firm E G Carter over an 18-month period.

Safran has been present in the UK for over 90 years and plays a key role in the country's aerospace and defence industry. The Group employs 3,500 people across 12 sites in the UK, delivering strong local social value through its 200 suppliers, its partnerships with numerous UK universities, and direct capital investment in UK startups.

Safran's total group revenue was £27 billion last year with revenue for its UK operations of £1.5 billion, with 81% of the landing systems manufactured in Gloucester exported worldwide.

The Gloucester site, founded by George Dowty in 1937, has become one of the largest Safran Landing Systems sites in the world, employing 1,200 people.

At the official opening of the building yesterday, François Bastin, CEO, Safran Landing Systems, said: "We are delighted to open this world-leading facility today, that will support the design and development of the next generation of aircraft landing systems on our Gloucester site. This investment is not only fantastic for our workforce and the local area, it is a further commitment from Safran to the long-term future of aerospace in the region."

The investment is accompanied by a recruitment policy: the Gloucester site recruited 204 new employees in 2024, particularly in the machining and assembly trades, and a further 30 new recruits since the beginning of the year. The site also promotes the development of young talent with around 100 apprentices, international business volunteers and internships.

Safran is an active member of the Aerospace Defence & Security trade association and partner of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the site is fully engaged to support strategic defence projects such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Global Air Combat Programme (GCAP).

Safran Landing Systems is also partnering with ATI, Innovate UK and the DBT to innovate on new sustainable solutions for landing systems, contributing to the decarbonisation of aviation.

Veronique Bardelmann, vice president of Safran UK, said: "We were pleased to welcome esteemed guests today, to see this investment first hand, which is a part of a continued strategy of investment and growth in our UK businesses right across the country."

The new building is characterised by its reduced carbon footprint, thanks in particular to an innovative energy partnership recently signed with Engie. This 10-year partnership will allow the Safran entities in the UK to meet their electricity requirements using UK solar production, enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint.

With modern working environments adapted to the needs of employees, the new space focuses on well-being at work, incorporating breakout areas on each floor as well as facilities to encourage people to cycle to work.