TBD (Owen Holland) Ltd which provides ground support and access equipment to the aerospace and defence sectors is expanding in Bridgend and creating 50 new jobs with Welsh Government support that will secure its long term future in Wales.
The company has a growing list of clients in the Middle East and had considered expanding overseas and moving part of its operation to Abu Dhabi to be closer to its main customer base.
The Welsh Government is providing £700,000 business finance to ensure the company’s £2million expansion plan goes ahead in Bridgend, safeguarding thirty jobs and creating an additional 50 new jobs.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:” TBD (Owen Holland) Ltd is a made in Wales business and has developed and continued to grow in Wales – we want to ensure it remains in Wales rather than moving to a lower cost base.
“I am very pleased that support from the Welsh Government has secured this expansion for Wales and that the company will continue to grow in Wales, creating new well paid jobs in one of our key sectors and bringing economic benefits to the region.”
The company occupies a 60,000 sq ft facility on 12 acres of land at the Waterton Industrial Estate in Bridgend where it currently employs nearly ninety people.
The business founder and CEO Steve Meredith, who has been the driving force behind the business, said: “ I am delighted to be working with the Welsh Government and that their support is enabling us to continue to grow the business in Wales.
“We are continuing to expand and winning new business and new contracts as new products are developed and brought to market and we look forward to creating more jobs in the area.”.
The company anticipates that overseas sales will increase to 30% over the next two years with major new clients on board including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Kuwait Airways and Fly Dubai. Additional orders are also anticipated from other major players in the Middle East.
TBD (Owen Holland) Ltd has continued to invest in new products and has one of the widest and most modern range of designs in the industry. The manufacturing team has a wealth of experience in the design and production of complex hydraulic stairways and platforms in the arena of ground support equipment.