Aero Engine Controls, part of the Rolls-Royce Group, marked the beginning of construction of its Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Facility at Solihull with a ground-breaking ceremony conducted by Colin Smith, Chairman – Aero Engine Controls (AEC), Simon Burr, CEO – Aero Engine Controls (AEC), Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader - Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Richard Dakin, Midlands Regional Director – BAM Construction Ltd. The new £60 million state-of-the-art facility will replace two existing AEC sites in Hall Green, Birmingham. The 28,000 sqm building will incorporate technology, design, development, manufacturing and testing capabilities, with associated expansion space.
When operational, the facility will produce engine control systems for a range of applications, including the Rolls-Royce Trent family of aircraft engines. Simon Burr, CEO – Aero Engine Controls, said: "Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in this project, and is an opportunity to celebrate the support and effort of all of our employees, the project design team and Solihull Council. This investment is a key element of our business growth strategy enabling us to be more efficient and to help us continue to attract talented employees.” "The role of the control system is vital in the effective and efficient operation of aerospace engines. This facility will enable us to build upon our achievements in this area and will help deliver significant benefit for the future in technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.” Councillor Ken Meeson, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome AEC to the borough and this major investment which underlines their commitment to continue providing highly-skilled job opportunities in the region. The development also illustrates Solihull’s growing reputation for attracting high quality manufacturing and advanced engineering companies that will contribute to both the regional and national economy and we look forward to working with AEC to support their continued success.” Aero Engine Controls, part of the Rolls-Royce group has unrivalled expertise in the design, development, manufacture, qualification and support of aircraft engine control systems for the large civil, regional & business, helicopter and defence markets. Notes to editor: Aero Engine Controls (AEC), part of the Rolls-Royce Group, provides a single solution for the design, manufacture, procurement, testing and support of high-integrity, harsh environment control systems. This includes safety critical software, electronic, electrical and hydro-mechanical products for the large civil, regional & business, helicopter and defence markets. AEC employs over 1700 skilled people in engineering, manufacturing, service and office facilities in the UK (Belfast, Birmingham and Derby) and USA (Indianapolis). The purpose of the organisation is to become the world’s best provider of engine intelligence. In the UK alone, AEC spends £67 million each year sourcing raw materials, parts and services to manufacture engine control systems for commercial and private aeroplanes, helicopters and unmanned aircraft. AEC is investing over £60m in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art research, design, development and manufacturing facility in the UK at Birmingham Business Park. This will provide the centre point for its global operation and support growth beyond its core aerospace market. For more information about AEC visit the corporate website at www.aeroenginecontrols.com For all media enquiries please contact Paul Facer, Head of Communications on +44 (0)7789 948078 or email
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