Aircraft Maintenance Support Services Limited (AMSS) – which designs and manufactures a wide range of ground support equipment for airlines and military agencies around the world – is investing £1.1 million to expand its Bridgend facility.
The investment, which is being supported by a £700,000 funding package from Barclays and £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund, is set to create a minimum of 28 new jobs over the next two years and will enable the company to meet the growing demand for its products.
AMSS, which was incorporated in 1978 by Duncan R Barber and based on the Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle, in South Wales began targeting new markets in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions following the downturn in the European economies.
The company which currently employs 130 staff has seen turnover grow from £10.9 million in 2009 to £15 million this year driven by overseas contracts and a focus on international markets.
Business Minister Edwina Hart welcomed the investment:” The Economic Growth Fund was set up to support Welsh companies access finance to support their growth plans and stimulate investment.
“I am delighted the funding is playing a key role in helping AMSS to proceed with its planned expansion and take advantage of new market opportunities while creating new skilled jobs.”
Managing Director Andy Cookson, said the funding would support investment in the extension of the existing building and new plant and machinery.”It will enable us to increase capacity to meet new demand as well as create real manufacturing jobs here in Wales and give us the confidence to reintroduce an Apprenticeship scheme to the mutual benefit of the company and the community in Pyle and Bridgend.
Jason Llewellyn, Relationship Director at Barclays Cardiff added: “Barclays has developed a great working relationship with AMSS and their advisors over the last 30 years and had no hesitation in delivering a finance solution to help facilitate the exciting expansion. The company is also one of many Welsh businesses to benefit from the Barclays “cashback” scheme whereby over £20,000 was given back to the customer to re-invest into the business.
“This is a locally based International focused business, that Barclays is delighted to support. Barclays is committed to using our industry expertise and specialists to support such propositions, which enable Welsh businesses to compete and win contracts in a global market, bringing real benefits to the local economy.”
AMSS designs bespoke equipment for military and civilian operators and provides support and maintenance for its manufactured products throughout the world. It is an acknowledged leader in its field as well as one of Europe’s largest operators.
The company’s ground support equipment includes freight loaders, passenger stairs, docking and staging, air conditioning trolleys, heaters, aircraft avionics cooling, catering trucks as well as water and toilet servicing units.