Member Article

Consett aerospace manufacturers undertake £7 million upgrade

A firm of North East-based aerospace manufacturers have finished a £7 million upgrade to their Consett factory.

The major upgrade to CAV Aerospace’s facility has created an open-plan layout, with space to accommodate large specialist machinery to manufacture aircraft wing components.

The firm instructed Sanderson Weatherall to provide project management, architectural services and construction design management co-ordination for the scheme - which was part-funded by a £1.4 million grant from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Works also included the construction of a new extension for collection of swarf, a new briquette store to enable recycling of aluminium, repair, refurbishment and redecoration work throughout, and external work, including safe pedestrian access and security fencing.

The principal contractor was STP Construction Ltd and the structural engineer was CDS Consulting.

CAV Aerospace’s project manager, Andrew Porteous, said: “The development of the facility was critical to CAV’s strategy. The new plant installed in the building allows us to remain competitive in the manufacture of aircraft wing spars and provides us with additional manufacturing space to support our future business plans.

“The project was technically difficult and had tight timescales. Sanderson Weatherall were an integral part of the team that delivered a successful outcome.”

Victoria Bollands, senior surveyor at Sanderson Weatherall, said: “The project for CAV Aerospace was a large, multi-faceted undertaking, but with the range of skills we have across our operation, we were able to offer everything from, project management to support on rate reductions.

“CAV Aerospace is a great employer in the North East and this investment strengthens their position in the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .