Marlborough Engineering Ltd, based in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, has completed the manufacture of test parts — some up to 20m in length — for the new KC-390 military aircraft being built by Brazilian firm Embraer. This is one of the largest planes that Embraer has ever developed; it is designed to transport up to 21 tonnes of cargo, including armoured vehicles. The plane is being developed in Brazil, while the fixtures were designed in Seattle, manufactured in Ireland and are now being delivered to Portugal.

Marlborough sales manager Alistair Bann said that the tendering process to win the work was extremely competitive. “It was a tough process, but we are very pleased to have been able to manufacture these parts for Embraer. We had a number of personnel from the company over here in Northern Ireland for a few weeks, and we were delighted to be able to show them the aerospace manufacturing capability and skills that exist in Northern Ireland.

“The skill set that we have here is excellent, and I think Northern Ireland companies have a real understanding of what aerospace customers need, which is how we are able to remain so competitive in this sector.”