Swindon aerospace firm Kembrey Wiring Systems is to create jobs as part of an investment by new owners Arundel Aerospace & Defence Systems (AADS).
Kembrey, which employs around 180 at its Greenbridge factory, has played a major role in commercial and military aircraft engineering since 1954. Today it makes wiring harnesses and other specialist equipment for major aerospace companies such Rolls Royce on its Trent 1000 engine, which will power Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and with AgustaWestland on the AW101 medium-lift military and civil helicopter.
Dick Martin of Kembrey, said: “We welcome this new development. AADS brings with it a wealth of experience and expertise which will be invaluable to us, along with a great number of contacts within the industry which will help us to maintain and further develop our leading position within the market.”
No details of the new jobs have yet been announced.
AADS, which has acquired Kembrey from Sussex-based wiring specialist group Time 24 for an undisclosed sum, was set up by two leading aerospace figures to build a portfolio of companies that provide mission-critical systems and sub-systems to the aerospace, defence and security markets.
Chairman Ian Stopps CBE is a former chief executive of Lockheed Martin UK, while chief executive John Gimson was previously managing director of Hampson Industries Special Products Division.
Mr Stopps said: “Kembrey Wiring is a perfect fit for AADS’ strategic buy-and-build policy. Our vision for Kembrey is a simple one. We will use our expertise and experience to grow and develop the company into a sustainable business, starting by cementing its position with existing customers and key markets. Kembrey is already a market leader in its target sectors and so we have an excellent basis to build on.
“We believe our commitment to Kembrey will have a positive impact on the local business scene. We hope that over coming years we will be able to call upon Swindon’s diverse and skilled labour base to help grow the company and achieve our goals.”
Mr Gimson, who becomes Kembrey managing director, added: “We are excited about the future of Kembrey in Swindon and we feel AADS can bring a lot to the mix. We have a great deal of expertise in the aerospace and defence engineering sectors and have been impressed with Kembrey – we believe we can make a really positive difference to the future of this company.”
