A Japanese manufacturer of aerospace components is setting up a production unit in the UK and will source some parts from local plastics processors. Koito Aerospace Europe (Speke, GB-Liverpool L24 1YH; www.koitoaerospace.com) will undertake the engineering, design, manufacture and maintenance of passenger seats for commercial aircraft at its premises close to Liverpool´s John Lennon Airport, with the creation of 21 jobs. Vacuum formed and injection moulded parts for seat components such as arm rest covers and meal trays are expected to be produced in the UK for use at the Koito plant.

“The opening of this factory marks the first step of many toward developing new business opportunities for Koito within Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” said director and facility manager Trevor Jenkins. Existing customers for Koito include KLM, Virgin and Singapore Airlines.