EDM, a leading global provider of training simulators to the civil aviation and defence sectors, has begun work on its new £1.3-million ($1.7 million) manufacturing facility at the company’s headquarters in Newton Heath, east Manchester, UK.

The turf-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Manchester City Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese.

The 18,000 sq ft structure is being built to meet the demands of the company’s rapidly increasing order book as it enjoys 20 per cent growth year-on-year since 2012, said a statement from the company.

The purpose-built facility will be able to host up to 40 employees and provide all the resources needed to enable the company to manufacture its full range of training simulators for defence and civil aviation customers, it stated.

Being constructed adjacent to EDM’s existing 100,000 sq ft site, the new manufacturing unit is expected to be completed by March next year.

At the launch ceremony, Sir Richard said: "Manchester has an ever growing number of cutting edge businesses demonstrating world-class innovation. The Council congratulates EDM on their success story and welcomes the jobs and expertise created."

“We were delighted to welcome Sir Richard to officially begin the building work of our new facility,” said Tony Bermingham, the managing director of EDM.

“This expansion is a mark of our rapid growth as we win new contracts all over the world and to have the leader of the local council here to support our success is very much appreciated by all at EDM,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service