By Isle of Wight Observer
GKN Aerospace is investing millions of pounds in a five-year plan to modernise its Island operation by transforming the factory and updating the East Cowes site. The plans are to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes and enhance the site’s position as a Centre of Excellence for advanced composite structures.
Island MP Bob Seely praised the investment decisions by GKN Aerospace during a recent visit to the company’s Cowes plant.
Garry Hernes, General Manager GKN Aerospace Cowes said: “We were delighted to welcome Bob to our facility in East Cowes to discuss our world leading products and our plans to secure the site’s long-term future, so GKN Aerospace will continue to underpin the Island’s economy and employment for years to come.
“The East Cowes site has been a fixture on the Isle of Wight for a century and owned by GKN Aerospace for the past 25 years. The new £11m investment we announced earlier this year, alongside additional capital investment over the next five years, is to ensure the site is fit for the future and keeps the Isle of Wight at the forefront of advanced aerospace systems.”
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier and is also the Islands largest private employer with staff of around 1,000 with 97 per cent of employees originating from the Island.
Mr Seely said: “I want to see GKN Aerospace thrive. With direct links from Portsmouth and Southampton Universities it’s important that we focus on attracting high quality jobs, and train and educate Islanders. GKN Aerospace offers fantastic apprenticeships. I am proud that we have a cluster of aerospace, marine, composites and renewable energy firms here; however, we as an Island need to sell ourselves nationally to attract more firms in these supply chains.
“Truly global companies like GKN Aerospace help the Island raise its profile on the international stage. I am delighted to see the company is not only committed to the Island but also investing so heavily to modernise its East Cowes site and keep it at the forefront of its business.”
Mr Seely intends to hold a meeting with newly appointed Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss future government plans for GKN Aerospace and proposes a further visit with the Minister to the site soon.
