To include manufacturing space and office accommodation, the facility will incorporate the latest ‘Brilliant Factory’ technology, which equips machines with sensors, allowing data to be analysed in real time. The site is expected to be operationally ready by the end of 2019.
“Our investment in the new facility demonstrates our commitment to the future of Dowty Propellers and the future potential of our people and products,” said Dowty president Oliver Towers. “We’ve built a strong heritage in the area and are proud that we are continuing our history of working in Gloucester. This new facility will allow us to operate in a bespoke environment that ensures we continue our position as a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems.”
Dowty Propellers is also participating in a £20m technology development project to deliver capabilities for both propeller systems and future propulsion systems. The project, Digital Propulsion, is match funded by the UK government and supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute with a grant of £9.5m. Partners include the UK’s National Composites Centre, The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
