Goodrich Corporation today opened its state-of-the-art engine control systems test facility at its Shaftmoor Road, Hall Green site.

The facility is part of a £10 million investment to create a new and upgraded world-class fuel system facility in line with the latest Environmental and Health and Safety legislative requirements.  Advantage West Midlands has supported the project through a £2 million Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) grant.

The system test facility supports engine control system product development within Goodrich Corporation by de-risking leading edge technologies, validating the performance of new products, enhancing existing products by optimising performance of product upgrades and supporting existing products and customers. 

The West Midlands has a proud history of innovation in aerospace and has a global reputation in this industry.  The region is home to three Rolls Royce plants and has 25% of the Rolls Royce supply chain. As well as Goodrich, the region is home to GE Aviation and specialist metal suppliers such as Timet and Special Metal Wiggin. The West Midlands also has a strong base of specialist engineering design services, factory equipment and tooling capability.

Simon Burr, Vice President and General Manager for ECS Europe – Products, said “We have created a centre of excellence for the testing of engine control systems within Goodrich through the support of Advantage West Midlands.  The facility has a unique fuel system test capability with significantly improved data capture and performance analysis capability whilst improving operator and equipment safety.  This is one of the few facilities in the world that enables representative testing of engine components at the extreme temperatures experienced on-engine.”

Mick Laverty, Chief Executive at Advantage West Midlands who performed the opening ceremony said: "I am delighted Advantage West Midlands has been able to support Goodrich Engine Control Systems in the development of its new testing facility, which produces high value, high precision and safety critical products to the global aerospace industry and which is a major regional employer.

"We are proud of what Goodrich does in the region on behalf of our aerospace industry and we are proud of the support we are able to provide to Goodrich.”