UK group Hampson to set up India centre

Precision manufacturing facility to be set up at a cost of $3.5 million

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 20, 2006

Hampson, the UK precision engineering group, is looking to set up a manufacturing venture in India by May this year, according to a report by Flight International.

Chief executive Kim Ward has said that the company will be investing $3.5 million in the 4,650 sq m site, and an additional 14,000 sq m is available for development at the site. The lower costs in India are expected to increase business for its Western sites.

Indian and Chinese customers will also be targeted by the company, which manufactures components for customers that include Airbus.

Ward has said that the company will be manufacturing "less complex" aerospace components in India, towards the end of the year, and might consider manufacturing more composite components later. Initially, it will be manufacturing automotive parts.

Composite components account for 15% of Hampson's business, but according to Ward, that figure could increase to as much as 50% in the next 3-5 years.

Late last year, the company had acquired Lamsco West and Coast Composites, two US composite specialists. Ward did not comment on plans for any additional acquisitions.