Strata, the composites aerostructures company wholly owned by UAE-based Mubadala Development, recently completed its first fully constructed in-house aerostructure in less than six months of plant opening.

The achievement comes within one year after the commencement of the plant’s construction.

The product, A330/A340 Flap Track Fairings, was delivered to FACC in Austria.

“STRATA’s intent is to become a leading Tier-one supplier of composite aerostructures for the next generation of aircraft, and less than a year ago, we promised to deliver our first product in 12 months,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, chairman of STRATA and executive director Mubadala Aerospace.

“We are proud to announce that we have delivered on this promise, and we look forward to further expanding the business.”

Construction of STRATA’s Al Ain plant commenced in September of 2009 – transforming  desert land into a fully qualified, aerostructures facility, consisting of 21,600 sq m floor space, in just ten months. On September 15, STRATA delivered its first assembled aerostructure products.

Ross Bradley, CEO of STRATA, said: “Announcing the release of our first product to be fully manufactured at our plant is a great milestone in our ambitious plans for the company. It’s a remarkable achievement to have come this far so quickly and we’re excited about the next steps in our development.”

STRATA’s business is already growing thanks to several international agreements in place with companies such as EADS/Airbus, Alenia Aeronautica and FACC, a statement said.

With more than 250 members of staff already working at the plant, STRATA is now providing even more high value-added job opportunities for UAE nationals and residents of the Emirates.

The company aims to provide job opportunities for over 1000 employees by 2015, ranging from technical and engineering roles to managerial positions, making STRATA an employer of choice for young and talented UAE Nationals.

Al Shemmari added: “Establishing an aerospace industry in the UAE capital is an important part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.”

“Our investments are helping to diversify the Emirate’s economy away from the hydro-carbon sector and in doing so we’re providing world-class and high-skill career opportunities for the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. STRATA’s latest milestone is further evidence that Mubadala is delivering against it mission,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service