Thompson Aero Seating has announced a £7.5 million investment to create a Dynamic Testing Facility (DTF) in Northern Ireland.
According to Thompson Aero, building works have already begun to extend the premises for the DTF at the brownfield site in Banbridge, County Down, and are planned to complete in Spring 2023, with the test equipment to be installed in the summer and testing due to begin from Autumn 2023.
Thompson believes the DTF will give enhanced capability to certify new products for airworthiness and to carry out research and development work. Currently, there is no DTF in Ireland, meaning Thompson had to send products and team members to facilities in Europe and North America, the new facility will enable the company to carry out work without leaving the factory.
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.”
