Aerospace firm creates jobs on $1m Chinese contract

A Ballynahinch based firm is set to recruit 13 new staff as part of its growth plans targeting global aerospace opportunities.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2016, 18:12 BST
Updated 7th Sep 2016, 14:58 BST
Pictured with Mr Hamilton are Datum directors Michael Maguire, left, and John GettyPictured with Mr Hamilton are Datum directors Michael Maguire, left, and John Getty
Pictured with Mr Hamilton are Datum directors Michael Maguire, left, and John Getty

Datum Tool Design Hamilton has also secured a new customer in China and recently signed an initial order for more than $1 million with X’ian Aircraft Corporation after a visit to the province in 2014.

Welcoming the news Economy Minister Simon Hamilton described the business as a “well-established and unique design and manufacturing business with a true global competitive advantage”.

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“This exciting development will enable Datum to offer manufacturing support as well as design solutions to its customer base and take advantage of emerging opportunities, particularly in China.

“The investment will create 13 skilled engineering roles in Co Down over the next three years which will generate £358,500 in annual salaries into the local economy.”

By implementing this expansion Mr Hamilton said the firm would strengthen not just its own global competitive position but that of the wider Northern Ireland Aerospace sector.

“With our manufacturing exports growing, I want to see more companies like this capitalise on their exporting potential. Invest NI’s support for this project is ensuring that aerospace companies like Datum evolve and establish the skills sets, design and manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of this global industry,” he said.

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Datum is a specialist designer of composite tooling primarily for the global aerospace and automotive sectors. Its customer base includes Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Gulfstream, AVIC China, HAL India, Quickstep Australia, Aston Martin and some Formula One teams.

This news aligns with the company’s £785,000 investment supported from Invest NI to enhance its manufacturing capabilities so that it can compete for higher value projects.

“Working with Invest NI has ignited our export ambitions and its support with this expansion is enabling us to undertake the R&D and market development activities which will strengthen our competitive position,” said director Michael Maguire.

“A number of new aircraft programmes are being introduced to meet increasing demand for air travel and enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and workforce will enhance the scope to target emerging markets.”

X’ian Aircraft Corporation is developing the new MA-700 aircraft and Datum Tool Design is the first overseas sub-contractor to be awarded work.

Related topics:Simon HamiltonChina