THE Spirit AeroSystems operation in Belfast has signed a strategic agreement with Expleo, which will see the French tech group become its preferred supplier for engineering services.
The three-year arrangement cements a long-standing collaboration between the companies, which pre-dates Spirit’s acquisition of Bombardier’s Belfast facilities.
Expleo, which also operates from Belfast, announced plans in April to double its Northern Ireland workforce to 200 over the next two years.
It will provide Spirit with engineering services for major aerospace projects including composites, stress and design, as well as significant end-to-end fuselage experience.
The technology group said the deal will also focus on new and innovative ways of working, including the testing of emerging aerospace engine technology and exploring the benefits of electrical power in development work for vertical take-off and landing technologies.
Jeff Hoyle, executive vice president global aero, space and defence at Expleo, said the strategic agreement has the potential to deliver industry-shaping innovations for Spirit’s aerospace customers worldwide.
“It also presents an opportunity to invest in engineering talent, not only by creating a number of jobs across the Expleo business, but by developing the talent in those roles to create multi-disciplinary teams with both digital and traditional engineering expertise,” he said.
