The manufacture of composite blades for Dowty Propellers’ civil and military propeller systems has been re-established, marking the company’s recovery from a fire that destroyed its original production site in southwest England.
Operating from an interim facility at Mitcheldean in Gloucestershire, Dowty Propellers has re-created the complete blade manufacturing capability for its propeller system product lines – with output reaching the highest rates in company history.
During its creation of the interim Mitcheldean operation, Dowty Propellers utilized the opportunity to implement new production layouts and processes, as well as introducing updated equipment – thereby enhancing its manufacturing performance when compared to the previous facility.
Additionally, this experience will be applied when the company develops a purpose-built replacement site in the Gloucester area, which is expected to be operational in 2019 – housing the headquarters and production facility, along with the main repair and overhaul operation and its research and development center.
Supporting the current Mitcheldean production site is a 13,500-ft² center for propeller system assembly and deliveries, located in Gloucester adjacent to Dowty Propellers’ previous headquarters at Anson Business Park.
