Gloucester-based Dowty Propellers, a leading manufacturer of propeller systems for both civil and military aircraft, has announced plans to build a new facility in the area (expected to be operational in 2019).

This follows a fire in February 2015 that destroyed its headquarters and its blade-manufacturing facility. It has been operating in an interim facility at Mitcheldean since early November 2015.

The company has also announced a £20 million technology development project to ‘deliver capabilities for both propeller and future propulsion systems’.

The project — Digital Propulsion — is match-funded by the Department for Business through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme (with a grant of £9.5 million) and overseen by Innovate UK.

Partners include the National Composites Centre, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Gary Elliot, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute, said: “A key focus of our strategy for UK aerospace technology is defining the propulsion of the future — advanced technologies that will enable reductions in noise and fuel burn.

“Dowty Propellers’ Digital Propulsion project is an integral part of delivering this strategy and building on the UK’s capability in this important area.”