Factory jobs at risk due to Covid
99 workers could face redundancy
A FACTORY which manufactures cabins, stowages and galleys for passenger planes could close with the loss of almost 100 jobs.
UK-based Aim Altitude has announced that 99 staff at its factory in Dafen, Llanelli, have entered into a period of consultation due to the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry.
The consultation has no definite end date, but the company wants to ensure all necessary requirements have been met and be sure it has taken every route possible.
The company said in a statement: “Aim Altitude is carrying out a consultation regarding the possible closure of its manufacturing facility in Dafen. This is looking at the options available, including redundancy.”
A FACTORY which manufactures cabins, stowages and galleys for passenger planes could close with the loss of almost 100 jobs.
UK-based Aim Altitude has announced that 99 staff at its factory in Dafen, Llanelli, have entered into a period of consultation due to the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry.
The consultation has no definite end date, but the company wants to ensure all necessary requirements have been met and be sure it has taken every route possible.
The industry is in uncertain times, with less call for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, and financial pressures due to fewer people travelling, leading experts to predict a curbed growth over coming years.
Ultimately for Aim Altitude it could mean the closure of its factory in Heol Cropin, with the business being consolidated with its head manufacturing site in Bournemouth, Dorset.
Having been founded in Surrey in the early 1900s, then known as Henshalls, it became Aim Altitude in 1939 and has a history as one of the leading global suppliers of cabin interiors to the world’s leading airlines, including Boeing, Airbus and manufacturers of regional aircraft.
The company said in a statement: “In line with other companies in the aerospace sector, Aim Altitude’s production has been adversely affected by the situation, but manufacturing has continued throughout.
“The company has already taken action, making use of the government furlough scheme, reduced overhead costs, and received support from the shareholder.
“Despite actions taken to date there is still over capacity within the business for 2021. Unfortunately, there is a need to reduce the workforce to reflect the fall in demand and address the cost base.
“Aim Altitude recognises that there is a need to keep the business sustainable, while maintaining design and manufacturing capability in anticipation of the upturn.
“Aim Altitude, therefore, is carrying out a consultation regarding the possible closure of its manufacturing facility in Dafen.
“This is looking at the options available, including redundancy, and consolidation to the company’s main manufacturing site in Bournemouth, England.
The company added: “The proposed actions are being taken with deep regret but are essential to secure Aim Altitude’s long-term future in the aerospace industry.”
Aviation has clearly been massively hit by the pandemic, and in October 2020 Cardiff Airport bosses revealed that business was down 93% on the same time in 2019.
Last month Forbes business magazine reported that while vaccines may help get Covid-19 under control over the next year or two, the aftermath of the virus worldwide will continue to affect growth for industries like aviation for the next decade.