Aerospace company in North seals Airbus deal

A Co Down aerospace company has secured a major deal with Airbus, it was announced today.

Datum Tool Design from Ballynahinch will be responsible for machines which make parts for Airbus’s new passenger aircraft.

The six-figure contract involves wings and fuselages for Airbus Germany and France.

Michael Maguire, joint managing director of Datum, said: “The new A350-XWB from Airbus will set new standards for efficiency not only in operation but also in its manufacture.”

The deal follows investments by Datum worth almost a quarter of a million pounds (€267,701) during the last three years.

Invest NI has offered more than £50,000 (€53,559) towards the investments.

Mr Maguire said the company was seeking to reduce some assembly times by 30% compared to other aircraft programmes.

“To achieve this it requires very high specification tooling and we are delighted to have been selected to supply it.”

He added: “Ongoing support from Invest NI has helped us significantly develop our capability in the design of tools for the latest composite materials.”

He said this enabled the company to secure contracts with Bombardier.

Ian Murphy, Invest NI’s managing director of clients, congratulated the company.

“Despite the current economic climate the local aerospace sector continues to perform well in extremely challenging international markets.

“Datum tool design is an excellent example of a small business that is building its reputation in the sector thanks to expertise in a particular niche area.”