EireComposites has signed a multi-million euro contract with Spirit AeroSystems to provide structural components for commercial airliners and business jets.

The contract will enable the creation of 40 jobs over the next three years, while also securing 60 existing positions. The new jobs created will be a combination of engineering and high-tech manufacturing.

The move highlights the continued commitment by Spirit to Irish suppliers following its recent acquisition of Bombardier's Belfast operations. The scope of the contract involves complex composite component manufacturing including assembly, part trimming and non-destructive testing services for a number of key business and commercial aircraft programmes.

EireComposites CEO Tomas Flanagan says: “The announcement of the continuation and expansion of the relationship between EireComposites and Spirit AeroSystems is hugely significant not only as a sign of confidence of the work of Irish suppliers post-Brexit but the massive role our company will play in the future of air travel.

“In line with the impact the coronavirus had on the aviation sector last year, our aerospace sales were slower than in previous years. However, we expect to recover throughout this year and today's announcement is a real show of confidence by Spirit AeroSystems in the work we undertake here in county Galway. It is our hope and our goal to return to the same level of revenue in 2019 this year and we plan on strong growth next year with the intention of expanding our work by 40 new positions between now and 2025 to bring our employment numbers to 100 full time employees,” concludes Flanagan.

Also commenting on the announcement, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Galway Teachta Dála, Hildegarde Naughton says: “This is wonderful news for Galway with the creation of 40 new jobs in Inverin while also securing 60 current positions. EireComposites are one of the many businesses that play a vital role in our local economy and today's announcement is a real boost to the community.”