Expansion of Hawarden based aero engineers will create number of highly skilled jobs

The expansion of a Hawarden-based aerospace engineering firm will create additional employment opportunities and apprenticeships in “a highly skilled work environment” Flintshire planners have been told.

Electroimpact UK has been given the green light to build a new high bay industrial building at its site on Manor Lane.

The company, which is headquartered in the US specialises in the design, manufacture, maintenance and repair of automated assembly equipment and tooling for the aerospace industry. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Electroimpact UK’s unique approach has resulted in them becoming the largest integrator of aircraft assembly lines in the world, and their customer includes major aerospace companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Bombardier.

The engineering firm applied to Flintshire Council for permission to build a new high bay industrial building as an expansion to their existing facility.

The new building will represent a further investment of £4 million at the site, “in the type of business which would be the envy of many Regions throughout the UK and worldwide.” The company said.

The new building will be used for the assembly of various aircraft manufacturing equipment, including tooling jigs.

Electroimpact say it is facing tough global competition and, “without this and other future expansion, business will be lost to competitors in Europe and the Far East.”

The planning application was brought before a planning committee meeting on Wednesday as the proposed building exceeds the relevant height thresholds for the area.

The building’s height is necessary to facilitate the movement of larger equipment using an internal crane.

The building is of similar height to the previous building that was built five years ago, but it is located further away from residential properties, which means “it’s unlikely to cause any disturbance” and there were no objections to the plans from local householders.

There were some concearns from Airbus, its primary customer, over the planned new 20 metre high building and its impact on aircraft operations at Hawarden Airport.

A report has however concluded that the proposal “will not have an impact on the Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) or the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS). The objections raised by Airbus have now been overcome.” A planning document states.

Rhys Davies from Cadent Planning was representing Electroimpact UK at a Flintshire Council planning meeting, said:

“The proposal, which has received general support and is considered acceptable in policy terms.”

He said the investment will, “create additional employment opportunities and apprenticeships in a highly skilled work environment.”

Speaking at the planning meeting on Wedensday, Cllr Chris Bithell said: “The proposed expansion is expected to enhance the business operation and it is located in a zone that is specifically set aside for this kind of development.”

“According to the report, under normal circumstances, this would probably be dealt with quite satisfactory under delegated power.”

“However, the height of the building is a concern and it has been brought to the committee.”

“The report states that it is not expected to present any particular difficulties for anyone and there are no objections to this.”

The nearest dwellings are some distance away, so there is no impact likely from this and there are no objections.”

Flintshire Council planning committee unanimously backed the plans.

Rhys Davies from Cadent Planning said Electroimpact, “has already made the investment decision to proceed with the construction and implementation will follow as soon as possible.”