North East firm Ford Aerospace has been acquired by a US group which has pledged new jobs and investment at the South Tyneside manufacturer.
The South Shields business has been snapped up by SPIROL, a family-owned manufacturing group headquartered in Connecticut, following 30 years of collaboration between the two companies. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. Ford Aerospace was founded at Tyne Dock in 1910 by Robert Ford, and the family business has most recently been led by the founder’s great-grandson, Chris Ford. The company, which has 76 staff, specialises in manufacturing high precision metal components and sub-assemblies for the aerospace, industrial, and high-technology sectors.
Mr Ford will step down as managing director as part of the deal, but will remain as a consultant for the immediate future. SPIROL is a successful family-owned company with a history also closely tied to aviation development. He said: “Ford Aerospace is, and always has been, here for the people, especially our dedicated and skilled team, and it was important that any new Ford Aerospace owner share the values that have been at the heart of the company for over 100 years.
