A year on since breaking ground at the major construction project in Gloucester, the internal fit-out of Dowty Propellers’ new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is taking shape. Once complete, the facility in Hucclecote will include manufacturing space and office accommodation and will be the new business headquarters as well as the production and repair facility for Dowty Propellers UK.
Owned by GE Aviation, the aerospace firm specialises in the manufacture of propellers and propeller components used in commercial airliners and military airlifters, multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. The company have said that its new facility will incorporate the latest ‘brilliant factory’ technology which equips machines with sensors, allowing data to be analysed in real-time.
Expected to be operationally ready by the end of this year, more than 350 Dowty employees will be based at the site. Bosses at the firm have previously spoken about their commitment to continue operations in the Gloucester area following the fire that destroyed its operating headquarters and blade manufacturing facility in Staverton back in February 2015.
Dowty Propellers is also participating in a £20 million technology development project to deliver capabilities for both propeller systems and future propulsion systems. The project, Digital Propulsion, is match-funded by the UK government and supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute with a grant of £9.5 million. Partners include the UK’s National Composites Centre, The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
