Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd (MAEL) is to open a new £2 million Component Maintenance Centre in Northampton, midway between its Luton- and Birmingham-based maintenance facilities.

Twenty people will work at the new facility, with 10 new jobs being created; it will be led by Lee Burgess, the company’s head of maintenance.

Managing director Chris Dare (www.monarchaircraftengineering.com) said: “Our new Northampton facility will enable us to more-effectively and efficiently support our burgeoning line and base maintenance facilities across the UK.

“This multi-million-pound investment in new facilities, equipment and — most importantly — skilled engineering talent is an integral part of our long-term growth plan, and it will play a vital role in our success in the years ahead.”

The centre will have a wide range of capabilities, including composite repairs, welding, machining and cadmium plating.

MAEL has provided maintenance, repair and overhaul services for more than 50 years and has worked with some of the world’s leading airlines. Since becoming an independent MRO provider in October 2017, it has announced new agreements with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Wizz Air and Icelandair.