A successful manufacturing programme which has helped to secure more than 600 jobs in the West Midlands aerospace industry since 2002 has been extended.
The LiftOff programme, funded by Advantage West Midlands, is delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS-WM) and offers business development grants and improvement projects for SMEs involved in aerospace.
The introduction of improved technologies and the use of new materials or processes are encouraged to help companies compete in a global marketplace.
Aerospace is a vital sector in the West Midlands economy with 450 companies employing some 25,000 staff.
More than one-fifth of the Rolls-Royce supply chain resides in the West Midlands and other major aerospace companies in the region include Goodrich, Smiths and Meggit.
Since the LiftOff programme launched in 2002, the scheme has enabled in excess of 140 companies to benefit from business improvements initiatives and helped secure more than 600 jobs.
Advantage West Midlands has approved £629,000 to extend the programme for another three years.
Jim Coyle, Advantage West Midlands Cluster Manager, said: "MAS-WM is one of the region's most successful projects and LiftOff has formed a key part of their work with manufacturers involved in the aerospace sector.
"Advantage West Midlands is committed to supporting this vital sector in the regional manufacturing industry and by working with our colleagues at MAS-WM and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance we will be able to make a real difference to companies in the supply chain.
"We are delighted to be able to extend what has been a highly successful scheme for another three years."
David Wright, MAS-WM Chief Executive, said: "Major new projects in the aerospace sector are underway.
"The high demand for products continues to fuel the need for companies to make process and productivity improvements.
"Ultimately, this drives enhanced standards which in turn leads to the region's aerospace sector being even more quality-focused."
Andrew Mair, Chief Executive of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: "LiftOff has provided invaluable support directly to West Midlands aerospace companies to help them become more competitive and retain skilled employment in our region.
"The LiftOff teram are industry experts in their own right and know how to work with industry to minimise bureaucracy and maximise direct help.
"We look forward to even more companies being aided by the scheme."
For more information on the LiftOff programme visit www.mas-wm.org
Notes to editors
Advantage West Midlands is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England whose role is to provide leadership and action to create more, better jobs and an improved quality of life for all in the West Midlands.
For more media information or images please contact Mat Danks on 0121 5033228 or email matdanks@advantagewm.co.uk.