TT Electronics has announced its intention to create a centre of excellence at its Bedlington facility in the North East of England. The location will provide a world-class centre for engineering, manufacturing and operational excellence. The company said it would invest about £3 million over the decades to come.
The Bedlington facility is home to the design and production of TT Electronics’ high-reliability microelectronic hybrid circuits and specialist current sensing, circuit protection and signal conditioning product lines. The facility is AS9100 certified; the quality standard recognised by the global aerospace market.
The projected site would support the company’s anticipated growth plans, working in partnership with customers to deliver smarter solutions together.
Richard Tyson, CEO said: “I am pleased to announce our investment to create a centre of excellence in the North East of England. The team in Bedlington continues to work hard to delight our customers and have delivered strong growth for TT; we are further investing to support the success of the site."
Class 6 cleanroom
TT Electronics has already invested more than £1 million in the facility to create an ISO Class 6 cleanroom, which opened in 2016, and a multi-chip module automated production line. This investment supports production for global aircraft engine manufacturers, as well as providing a platform for winning additional new customers.
The current facility is being consolidated. Buildings are being demolished and redeveloped and an improved space is being created for efficient engineering and manufacturing operations. The site will continue to be run in line with TT Electronics’ lean operational excellence initiatives.
Tyson continued: "Bedlington is the home of our global current sensing, circuit protection and signal conditioning development team and it is an important centre for innovation in new product introduction and customisation. Our specialist design skills, reputation for high reliability and strong customer relationships provide an excellent opportunity for growth in the North East. This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to our people, customers and the local community.”
TT Electronics currently employs 310 people in Bedlington, up more than 25% since 2015. The site runs an apprenticeship programme, creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers and developing future leaders in support functions. The company expects headcount to increase in the next few years to support the anticipated growth for TT Electronics in the North East.
TT Electronics has further expanded its presence in the North East of England with the acquisition of Stadium Group in April 2018. Stadium’s largest UK facility is in Hartlepool, employing 140 employees and supporting customers in industrial and transportation markets, manufacturing electronic assemblies, power supplies and wireless connectivity solutions.
