Thompson Aero Seating announces new test facility
Thompson Aero Seating has unveiled plans for the creation of a new dynamic test facility (DTF) in Northern Ireland.
The £7.5 million investment is already underway with building works having…
Thompson Aero Seating has unveiled plans for the creation of a new dynamic test facility (DTF) in Northern Ireland.
The £7.5 million investment is already underway with building works having begun to extend the premises for the DTF at the Thompson brownfield site in Banbridge, County Down.
The company is planning to complete in Spring 2023, with the test equipment to be installed in the summer and testing due to begin from autumn 2023.
In parallel with the building works will be recruitment for several test engineering roles.
Certifying new products for airworthiness
The DTF will give Thompson enhanced capability to certify new products for airworthiness and to carry out research and development work, without needing to leave the factory.
Currently, there is no DTF on the island of Ireland and Thompson has had no choice but to send products and team members to test facilities in Europe and North America.
Neil Taggart, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, said: “Having our own Dynamic Test Facility will give us a huge opportunity to save on lead times in the development of our new seats and improve sustainability – which have to be positives for our airlines customers.”
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