August 22, 2008 – The Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, has praised staff at Vector Aerospace Components Services Almondbank for the vital support they provide to the UK’s helicopter force, during a visit to the facility.
Vector Aerospace Corporation acquired the Almondbank facility – formerly the MoD’s Defence Aviation and Repair Agency (DARA) components business – back in April. The facility, which specialises in the repair, overhaul and testing of aerospace components, supports the UK’s three main military helicopter fleets – Chinook, Lynx and Sea King – as well as Tornado fast jets.
The Minister toured the facility, meeting members of the 300-strong workforce and seeing some of the work in progress which included the repair of hydraulic and gear box components. He was also briefed by Declan O’Shea, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vector Aerospace Corporation, on the progress that has been made since the acquisition, together with Vector’s plans for developing the business.
Declan O’Shea said: “Helicopters are playing a fundamentally vital role in operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq – and are being required to provide even more lift capability now than they have in the past. With this in mind, it’s extremely encouraging for us that the Secretary of State for Defence recognises the value of the work that Vector Aerospace undertakes at Almondbank to keep the UK’s Chinook, Sea King and Lynx fleets flying.”
The visit was a welcome opportunity for Vector Aerospace’s management team to reaffirm its commitment to supporting MoD frontline operations, investing in the local community and to share its plans for expanding the customer base of its Almondbank operation with the Secretary of State.