Co Down firm settotakeon £35m electric car project
CO DOWN manufacturer CCP Gransden has become the only Northern Ireland business involved in a £35m research project to create a new electric specialist vehicle.
The Ballygowan-based advanced composites firm, which specialises in the aerospace, automotive and defence industries, was brought into the project through the appointment of Jaguar Land Rover.
The £35m Project Tucana was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May during the Zero Emission Vehicles Summit in Birmingham on Tuesday.
Speaking afterwards, CCP Gransden’s managing director, Jim Erskine explained the firm’s role.
“We have developed an advanced composite manufacturing cell that is highly automated and enables us to manufacture composite parts at a fast rate and to a high quality,” he said.
“We are delighted that Jaguar Land Rover has given us the opportunity to work with them as this project helps future-proof our business and provides opportunities for significant growth.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of continuing to develop the manufacturing sector within Northern Ireland.”
With electrified vehicles needing stiffer and lighter structures, Project Tucana has set the goal of developing world-leading cost effective, scalable carbon fibre composite solutions.