£6m investment supports rapid growth of Magellan Aerospace in Wrexham

22 Feb 2016 10:23 AM

A new £6M state of the art high speed machining facility that will increase capacity at Magellan Aerospace’s Wrexham plant to service significant new orders has been officially opened by Economy Minister Edwina Hart.

The Wrexham facility – a major supplier of wing components to Airbus Broughton - has undergone a rapid expansion over the past three years in line with growing global orders for the Airbus family of aircraft. In addition it has also won new business from a number of other companies including GKN, PAG and Triumph Aerospace.

It has seen a significant turnover increase  since 2012 and created 100 jobs during this period, including 27 so far this year with another 22 posts to be recruited. It currently employs 460 people at its base on Llay industrial Estate, Wrexham.

Opening the new facility the Minister said yesterday:

“Wales is a recognised centre of excellence for aerospace manufacturing and MRO related activities and I am delighted to hear of the investment, expansion and job creation at Magellan’s facility in Wrexham.

“The company is a key employer in Wrexham and this investment will increase capacity and capability and ensure it is in pole position to meet the growing demand for its products in what is a highly competitive market.”

Adrian Young, Operations Manager from Magellan Aerospace (UK) said yesterday:

"It is a testament to the skills and hard work of all the team  and the commitment of Magellan Aerospace to invest in the UK, with the support of the Welsh Government, that has allowed the business at Wrexham to grow from the small family business it was when Magellan bought it in 2003 to the multi-million pound company it is today.” 

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said yesterday:

“I was fortunate to meet with Magellan Aerospace when I visited Canada back in 2014; it was great to discuss with them the benefits of building long term trade and investment partnerships with Wales. This latest news of their  expansion in Wrexham is most welcome and I wish the company every success in the future.”

Magellan Aerospace is Canadian owned and its Wrexham operation is  a main supplier to Airbus Broughton for aircraft machining, treating and assembly of wing component parts.

In 2012 it was announced that the Wrexham facility had secured a multi-million pound extension to its contract with Airbus for components for the A320, A330 and A380 aircraft programmes.

Its new  machining facility has the capability to machine component parts up to 22 metres long and manufacture a range of wing components and structures.

The company has invested substantially in new facilities and equipment and in 2009 was financially supported by the Welsh Government with investment towards a £5m Spar Machining Facility at Llay.  The company are now looking to invest £3m in a new assembly and logistics centre of excellence.