MPE meets with major US suppliers

A LONDONDERRY manufacturer met with buyers from four major US aerospace firms at a business event in Washington in a bid to gain new business.

Maydown Precision Engineering, established in 1985, was one of nine Northern Ireland aerospace companies, that took part in the business event organised by Invest Northern Ireland and launched by the First and Deputy First Ministers.

The US aerospace companies involved included: Honeywell Aerospace, Parker Hannifin, Pratt & Whitney and Spirit AeroSystems.

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The one-on-one meetings were a direct result of the US firms being key Bombardier Aerospace suppliers.

Invest NI said it was working closely with Bombardier Aerospace teams in Belfast and Montral to maximise the economic impact of Bombardier's aircraft programmes in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson said: "Today's event is a significant opportunity for Northern Ireland's aerospace firms to form meaningful business relationships with major US companies working in the sector.

"The aerospace industry in Northern Ireland comprises over 40 companies, with a combined annual turnover in excess of $1billion. These meetings will enable our highly innovative design and manufacturing businesses to extend their reach in global markets and support the future growth of the economy in Northern Ireland."

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Mr McGuinness said: "This region's aerospace industry employs over 8,000 people and continues to invest significantly in research and development, skills and efficiency processes.

"It is important our local firms use today's event to showcase their world class expertise. By building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships with these US businesses, our aerospace companies can maximise the global opportunities in this lucrative industry.

"The Invest NI organised event, presents a tremendous opportunity for increased trade partnerships between the US and Northern Ireland.

"The hope is that the company meetings taking place in Washington today will create new business relationships that will have a positive economic impact on both sides of the Atlantic, and I am delighted to lend my support to that initiative," stated US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly.