Work starts on new Dowty Propellers manufacturing facility

Dowty Propellers, a manufacturer of aircraft propeller systems for both civil and military applications, has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility in Gloucestershire.

The facility in Hucclecote includes manufacturing space and office accommodation. It will be the new business headquarters as well as the production and repair facility for Dowty employees in the UK, who are currently working out of interim facilities in the Gloucestershire area.

The facility will incorporate the latest ‘Brilliant Factory’ technology which equips machines with sensors, allowing data to be analysed in real time. The site is expected to be operationally ready by the end of 2019. Employees will progressively transfer to the new facility once it is operational.

Dowty Propellers has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility, which once completed will become home to all its UK employees / Picture: Dowty Propellers

In 2017, Dowty Propellers announced its commitment to continue operations in the Gloucester area following a fire that destroyed its operating headquarters and blade manufacturing facility in February 2015.

Dowty President, Oliver Towers, said: “Our investment in the new facility demonstrates our commitment to the future of Dowty Propellers and the future potential of our people and products. We’ve built a strong heritage in the area and are proud that we are continuing our history of working in Gloucester. This new facility will allow us to operate in a bespoke environment that ensures we continue our position as a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems.”

Aerospace Minister, Richard Harrington, added: “Today’s announcement is another vote of confidence in the UK’s world-class aerospace manufacturing and engineering industry. Dowty’s new facility will pioneer technologies for both civil and military aircraft and this decision shows how our modern Industrial Strategy is ensuring the UK remains a hub for high-skilled work and technology both now and in the future.”

The company’s propeller system excellence and its successful recovery from the 2015 fire has been recognised with an Award to Industry from the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers of London – an organization that provides a forum for those with common interests in automotive, aerospace and other industries, along with the armed forces.

Dowty Propellers is also participating in a £20M 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.

The project has completed the first of three years’ activity, and good progress has been made on defining the concepts that will deliver the project objectives, ultimately ensuring that the UK remains a leader in propeller system development and support.

James Raven, Managing Director of Arlington, concluded: “We are delighted to help Dowty move back to Gloucester and it is great news that Dowty has decided to commit to this major investment at Gloucester Business Park. As a business we are determined to maintain Arlington’s 100% track record of delivery for our customers on time and on budget, and to continue to build on the positive momentum both at Gloucester and across our wider portfolio.”