ÉireComposites, a design, manufacturing and testing company based in Co. Galway announced the signing of a new multi-million euro contract with, Spirit AeroSystems, to provide structural components for commercial airliners and business jets. Spirit is one of the world's largest tier-one aerostructure manufacturers and suppliers for premier commercial and defense aerospace programs.
The contract will enable the creation of 40 new jobs over the next 3 years, while also securing 60 existing positions. The new jobs created will be a combination of engineering, quality, and high-tech manufacturing jobs.
The contract highlights the continued commitment by Spirit AeroSystems to quality Irish suppliers following its recent acquisition of Bombardier’s Belfast operations. The scope of the contract involves complex composite component manufacturing, including assembly, part trimming and non-destructive testing services for a number of key business and commercial aircraft programs.
Speaking on behalf of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mark de Faoite commented, “Today’s announcement solidifies the great work that ÉireComposites continues to deliver. We are proud to be working with and supporting this innovative and exciting company as they deliver jobs and security to the Connemara Gaeltacht region and support its economic development. It is also encouraging to see that both ÉireComposites and Spirit AeroSystems are strengthening their relationship in a post-Brexit environment.”
Also commenting on the announcement, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton, said, "This is wonderful news for Galway with the creation of 40 new jobs in Inverin while also securing 60 current positions. ÉireComposites are one of the many businesses that play a vital role in our local economy and today’s announcement is a real boost to the community. I am particularly excited to see these 40 new jobs coming to Connemara; a move which sends a clear message to other employers that working and developing business across rural Ireland is a worthwhile pursuit. With a view of the world’s horizon along the Atlantic Ocean, today’s announcement demonstrates how Inverin and Galway will continue to play a crucial role in the global aviation sector."
Welcoming the announcement the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, T.D., said, “I would like to congratulate all at ÉireComposites on the significant developments and innovation being progressed and welcome the announcement of the potential for 40 new jobs to be created in the three years ahead. The drive, skills and creativity of their team is evident and their longstanding partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta shows that employment of the highest quality is available in the Gaeltacht dealing with global projects. We wish ÉireComposites and Spirit AeroSystems the best for a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers, T.D., also welcomed the announcement and said, “This is another significant announcement for the Galway Gaeltacht area which will bring further growth and high-quality employment to the area. I am delighted to welcome the new jobs being created in the Gaeltacht but also commend the ability of ÉireComposites and other innovative Gaeltacht companies to win significant international high value contracts. It shows that the Gaeltacht can compete on a global stage if the appropriate supports, talent and infrastructure is available to them.”
“The announcement today of the continuation and expansion of the relationship between ÉireComposites and Spirit AeroSystems is hugely significant not only as a sign of confidence of the work of Irish suppliers post-Brexit but the massive role our company will play in the future of air travel,” stated ÉireComposites CEO, Tomás Flanagan.
“In line with the impact the coronavirus had on the aviation sector last year, our aerospace sales were slower than in previous years. However, we expect to recover throughout this year and today’s announcement is a real show of confidence by Spirit AeroSystems in the work we undertake here in Co. Galway. It is our hope and our goal to return to the same level of revenue in 2019 this year and we plan on strong growth next year with the intention of expanding our work by 40 new positions between now and 2025 to bring our employment numbers to 100 full-time employees.”
“I am proud of the work we do here as we are unique to the area along the Wild Atlantic Way with a very loyal and skilled workforce and without whom today’s announcement and ÉireComposites’ bright future would not be possible,” concluded Mr. Flanagan.
ÉireComposites would also like to place on record its thanks to Údarás na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland as they continue to support the company and ensure it continues to work on exciting, novel news projects with industry partners across the world.
