Just over three years ago, in January 2012, the Government invested millions in the establishment of a new composite pre-production facility on the Isle of Wight.
The then-GKN Aerospace and Rolls Royce joint-venture, Composite Technology and Applications Ltd (CTAL), saw a £7.4m investment from the Government, with the minister, Mark Prisk, stressing in an interview with OnTheWight the importance of the project.
(Update – GKN tells OnTheWight that they sold their CTAL stake to Rolls Royce in 2012)
Facility being relocated in Bristol
Unfortunately, Rolls-Royce announced last week the CTi manufacturing technology capability, along with around 40 current employees, will be transferred from the Isle of Wight during 2017 to Bristol.
On hearing the news last week, Cllr Ian Stephens told OnTheWight,
“I’m very saddened as we are just setting-up the composite centre of excellence in Solent region, including the Isle of Wight – training and building alongside GKN.
“Bristol might need employment – but we really need it.”
Rolls-Royce say the advanced manufacturing facility will be at the forefront of developing the next generation of fan blades and fan cases, made of carbon-fibre composite materials, for Rolls-Royce’s future aero-engines.
OnTheWight contacted GKN for a comment, but at time of publishing had not heard back.
Update 1.Apr.15: We received a call from GKN today, letting us know that they sold their CTAL stake to Rolls Royce in 2012, so we’ve added this.
