First Minister Carwyn Jones has helped mark the 75th anniversary of aircraft engine maintenance company GE Aviation Wales, based in Nantgarw.
Guests, including President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Aviation Services, Kevin McAllister, attended a celebratory event held at the factory to mark the milestone, and to recognise past and present employees who have dedicated their careers to the aviation industry, including aircraft engineers, apprentices, interns and support staff.
The company’s roots can be traced back to 1924 when the engine overhaul shop was first established by Imperial Airways in London.
In 1940, the business was moved to South Wales following a strategic re-deployment of the British Oversees Airways Corporation. The company has since overhauled a wide range of engines, including the GE90, the world’s most powerful aircraft engine, and the complete range of CFM56 engines – the world’s most popular aircraft engine. The facility is now one of the largest aircraft engine maintenance facilities in the world.
La-Chun Lindsay, GE Aviation Wales Site Leader, said: “Celebrating the site’s 75th year in Wales is a huge milestone and a true testament to the Company’s highly skilled and dedicated employees and the company’s dynamic approach to innovation and business growth.
“As we celebrate our accomplishment, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked for the business over the past 75 years. As a site, we are extremely proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing our journey for many years to come.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “My heartfelt congratulations to GE Aviation on celebrating 75 years in Wales. Their Anchor status is recognition of both their world class operation and their importance to the local and national economy. I am sure that through continuing to work together we will see the company’s Welsh success continue for many years to come.”
GE Aviation Wales occupies over 1.2 million sq. ft. and has two state-of-the-art engine test facilities. Employing a highly skilled workforce of over 1,200 people, the facility provides customer support for a range of global companies including Emirates, United and British Airways.
It has a turnover of £1.5 billion and is considered by the Welsh Government to be an “anchor company”.
Earlier this year the company announced plans to shed 100 jobs though voluntary redundancies.