Ashbourne aerospace company to create 75 new jobs

Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar, opened the new Dublin Aerospace facility at the Ashbourne industrial estate yesterday, (Tuesday) as the company prepares to double its employees from 75 to 150 over the next two years The new facility is based at the old Polyglass plant.

The aviation maintenance company's investment of €12 million in its landing gear facility in Ashbourne was supported by Enterprise Ireland

The Tánaiste, Mr Varadkar stated: “Today’s announcement gives me great hope for the future. I know aviation was one of the sectors worst affected by the pandemic.

“Dublin Aerospace was founded during tough times and is once again a case study in triumph over adversity. The Government has tried to help aviation firms get through it with wage subsidies and rates waivers.

“The facility will employ 150 people once fully up and running. The €12 million investment by Dublin Aerospace and the Government through Enterprise Ireland is a real vote of confidence in what I believe, will be a very strong recovery in the industry.

“I also really welcome the plans to develop a Landing Gear Technician Traineeship. The Government wants to see more employers run apprenticeships and traineeships and this one will make sure we have the skills and people to make the most of this fantastic new facility in the years to come. Congratulations to the entire team involved.”

The new facility specialises in Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 landing gear overhaul and is spread across a 70,000 square foot area.

Conor McCarthy, CEO, and chairman of Dublin Aerospace said: “We would like to thank Enterprise Ireland as well as our shareholders for their support and belief in this Irish enterprise as we continue our growth trajectory.

“We started Dublin Aerospace out of adversity; during the 2009 global financial crisis -- and we have managed to grow, compete profitably, and succeed ever since. The opening of our new Landing Gear Centre is a true testament to the proficiency of the team, their hard work and their commitment to our customers.”

“We are operating in a globally competitive sector, where having the right talent, skills, and attitude is crucial. As a home-grown Irish business, we compete on the global stage, and we are truly proud to say we have been successful thanks to the experience, ability, and work ethic of our great team.

“We pride ourselves as being a learning and training organisation, with over 100 young men and women in training at any time, with ambitious plans to increase this number in the near future,” concluded McCarthy.

Stephen Creaner, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland added: “Dublin Aerospace is an incredible success story, servicing its international client base and delivering high value jobs to Ireland. Even during the pandemic, when the aviation sector was badly hit, Dublin Aerospace continued to deliver on its ambitions – pushing ahead with the development of its new Landing Gear facility in Meath and establishing Exeter Aerospace in the former Flybe Maintenance Services facility in the UK.”

Ashbourne Fianna Fail Cllr Conor Tormey welcomed the new facility. “It is great news for Ashbourne. The town is starting to boom again. Dublin Aerospace are recruiting locally and there are a lot of jobs for local people. It is great to see a site that had been derelict redeveloped and busy again.

Cllr Joe Bonner said it was great news for Ashbourne.

“There is a great opportunity here for an extension of activities around Dublin Airport.”

Cllr Damien O'Reilly said; “This landmark announcement will assist in attracting more companies to Ashbourne in the years to come.”

Dublin Aerospace is currently hiring for a number of positions, with roles advertised for electricians, technicians/mechanics, painters, document controllers, production planners, and Health & Safety officers. All roles can be found advertised on the Dublin Aerospace website.