Derby-headquartered Gardner Aerospace - one of Europe’s leading independent supplier of aerospace detailed parts and sub-assemblies - has reported an increase in sales by almost 8% to more than $185m.
The news follows a successful overseas expansion programme in both Poland and India, as well as new orders from Airbus, the firm’s single largest customer.
In support of Airbus plans to dramatically increase the amount of work it sources in India over the next 10 years, Gardner has invested a further £1m into its Bengaluru facility to meet this demand, tripling the plant’s size with further expansion planned throughout 2016 and 2017.
Currently, Gardner Aerospace Bengaluru is the only facility in India with Airbus A350 fabrication and assembly approvals, receiving over 27 A350 special process approvals within its first four months.
Meanwhile, Gardner’s Tczew facility in Poland is to expand by 1100 sqm to include a new surface treatments line servicing customers wishing to source products from the region due to its proximity to the UK and France, along with all the benefits of a low-cost manufacturing chain.
Gardner’s director of strategic sourcing, Dave Hughes commented: “We have spent many years developing in-country manufacturing solutions with our major suppliers in India and Poland so it is only natural for us to expand our own facilities given the level of support we have received from suppliers and customers alike.
“The engineering talent within India and Poland is second to none which means we can give customers access to the advantages of low-cost international manufacturing with the reassurance of group-wide consistency in quality and service. Our growth strategy is built upon listening to customers, who want fewer but stronger and more global suppliers”
The expansion of operations in Poland and India reinforces Gardner’s position as one of the leading players in the consolidation of the highly fragmented aerospace components manufacturing sector.
As a Group, Gardner is focused on the continuous improvement of its operations through the implementation of lean manufacturing, investing in new technology and the consolidation and upgrading of its facilities.
