The 45,000-square metre site’s range of capabilities will include long-bed machining; three- to five-axis machining; sheet metal fabrication including stretch forming; surface treatments; non-destructive testing; and aerospace welding. A dedicated cell for the manufacture of engine components and sub-assemblies is also included in the development plans for the site which will see more than US$125m invested in new equipment and capabilities.
Dominic Cartwright, chief executive officer, Gardner Aerospace, says: “We’ll be able to manufacture a very diverse range of components at the new site from both hard and soft metal. The first work packages for the facility will be Airbus wing detailed parts.
“And I’m delighted to say we will soon be training local people in-house at Chengdu to ensure everyone follows our ‘One Gardner’ ethos and we continue to deliver the same exceptional standard of work that we are known for.”
The ‘One Gardner’ model ensures the highest common standards and systems are applied across the company’s entire business, from France, Poland and the UK to India and China. The concept is central to the firm’s consistent product quality, operational delivery and overall performance and is what makes Gardner exceptional at Transfer of Work programmes. The design of the Chengdu facility, and the methods and management processes adopted within, will therefore match the standards of all Gardner Aerospace’s facilities worldwide.
Cartwright continues: “We already employ over 2,200 people across our business and that number keeps growing as we add operations such as Chengdu. We’re excited by how much this facility will help us improve our service and to access the Asia-Pacific aerospace industry. This huge operation will allow us to support China’s rapidly developing domestic market for aerospace parts and will also deliver a new option for Western aerospace customers sourcing parts in the region. New and existing customers will enjoy the advantages of our high-quality, low-cost manufacturing with Transfer of Work management still being local to the customer.
“Our expansion in Asia builds on the strength of our China-based parent firm, Ligeance Aerospace Technology [LAT], which has played a key role in helping us build the Chengdu facility and ensuring we comply with local and national regulations.
“We want Gardner to be a global top-five aerospace detailed parts manufacturing company by 2023. Chengdu is a big step toward that goal and we can’t wait to introduce Chinese clients to our outstanding quality and speed of service.”
