Following the announcement on 3 December 2020, Rolls-Royce's former site at Hucknall (East Midlands, UK) is, from today, part of ITP Aero's global industrial footprint. ITP Aero gains full ownership of the Hucknall facilities, enhancing the company's position as a major global aerospace company. In addition, the commodity of complex fabrications, including design engineering and supply chain management will be transferred into ITP Aero.

The products manufactured in Hucknall, which include fabrications, combustors and fan outlet guide vanes (OGVs), are complementary to those manufactured in other ITP Aero facilities and will add to the company's product portfolio. As a consequence, Hucknall's integration will bring the enlarged business potential new business opportunities.

The integration of Hucknall into ITP Aero adds approximately 700 employees to the company's global workforce, amounting to 4,300 worldwide. Hucknall's current strong management team will continue to lead the organisation and its highly skilled workforce, ensuring a smooth transition as the site's operations fully integrate into the ITP Aero operating model.

As a result, the UK will become the second biggest country in terms of workforce and industrial footprint for ITP Aero, with three centres (Hucknall, Whetstone and Lincoln) and approximately 900 employees in total.

Today marks an important milestone for both ITP Aero and the Hucknall site, which is renowned for its contributions to the aviation industry. During WWII, the Hucknall site was the location of the first flight of the Merlin Engine-powered P-51 Mustang and the setting for the development of vertical take-off jets, first tested in 1954. ITP Aero is committed to upholding Hucknall's important aeronautical legacy and continuing to support its role in the next generation of aviation, specifically working towards a more sustainable aviation sector through programmes such as Rolls-Royce's Ultrafan®.

Carlos Alzola, CEO of ITP Aero, said: "Today's announcement is a major milestone for ITP Aero, as Hucknall becomes a critical part of the company's enlarged business. We are looking forward to working together with our new colleagues in Hucknall, focusing on maximizing opportunities and recovering together from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic."

The news today has no impact on Rolls-Royce's announcement on 27 August 2020, in relation to a potential disposal of ITP Aero. Notwithstanding the outcome, ITP Aero is a key partner for Rolls-Royce and it will retain a long-term relationship with the business across its Civil Aerospace and Defence programmes.