Strata delivers within six months
Strata, the composites aerostructures entity wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, recently released its first product to be fully constructed in its facility – marking its debut as a supplier to the global aerospace manufacturing industry.
This achievement comes immediately after the plant in Al Ain was completed, and one year after the plant’s construction commenced.
The product, A330/A340 Flap Track Fairings, was delivered to Facc in Austria.
Homaid Al Shemmari, Strata Chairman and Executive Director Mubadala Aerospace, said: “Strata’s intent is to become a leading tier-one supplier of composite aerostructures for the next generation of aircraft. Less than a year ago, we promised to deliver our first product in 12 months. We are proud to announce that we have delivered on this promise, and we look forward to further expanding the business.”
Construction of Strata’s Al Ain plant commenced in September of 2009 – transforming desert land into a fully qualified, aerostructures facility, consisting of 21,600m 2 floor space, in just ten months. On September 15, Strata delivered its first assembled aerostructure products.
Ross Bradley, Strata CEO commented: “Announcing the release of our first product to be fully manufactured at our plant is a great milestone in our ambitious plans for the company. It’s a remarkable achievement to have come this far so quickly and we’re excited about the next steps in our development.”
Strata’s business is already growing thanks to several international agreements in place with companies such as EADS/Airbus, Alenia Aeronautica and Facc. As a result, expansion of the plant is to continue in phases over the next five years, with phase two of construction targeted to begin in early 2012, providing additional manufacturing floor space. With more than 250 members of staff already working at the plant, Strata is now providing more high value-added job opportunities for UAE nationals and residents of the Emirates.
In addition to the above, a dedicated training and development centre has been established close to the Strata plant in Al Ain in association with the Airbus Business Academy and Al Ain International Aviation Academy.
The company aims to provide job opportunities for over 1,000 employees by 2015, ranging from technical and engineering roles to managerial positions, making Strata an employer of choice for young and talented UAE nationals.
Al Shemmari added; “Establishing an aerospace industry in the UAE capital is an important part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. Our investments are helping to diversify the emirate’s economy away from the hydro-carbon sector and in doing so we’re providing world-class and high-skill career opportunities for the people of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Strata’s latest milestone is further evidence that Mubadala is delivering against it mission.”