Industrial textiles manufacturer Needles and Pins Aerospace has unveiled its expanded production facility in Somerset.
The female-led, family-run company welcomed key figures from across the aviation and defence sectors, staff, customers and suppliers to its Somerton Business Park headquarters for the event.
Director Carole Champion led the ceremony, cutting through the ribbon with a pair of scissors used to cut the first piece of material for the company in July 2018.
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“This is a proud and significant moment in our journey,” said Ms Champion. “It’s a celebration of our incredible team, the support we’ve had from customers and suppliers and a statement of our confidence in the future. With renewed focus on defence and British manufacturing, the opportunities ahead are exciting.”
Ms Champion was joined by her son, Dillon Harmon, chief operating Ooficer, who also addressed guests at the event. He reflected on the company’s growth and shared the team’s plans, including further investment in people, processes and technology.
Needles and Pins Aerospace specialises in the design, manufacture and repair of bespoke protective covers, acoustic insulation and interior soft fittings for military and civilian aircraft.
The company has long-standing relationships with Boeing Defence º£½ÇÊÓÆµ, supplying specialist ground support equipment and soft-trim interiors for the Chinook helicopters flown by British forces and with Leonardo, where it began its work in repairing advanced aerospace fabrics.
The business has grown its workforce by 25% in the past year, with another 25% increase planned by the end of 2025, including the creation of two new apprenticeship roles to support skills development in rural Somerset.
Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence º£½ÇÊÓÆµ, attended the opening. He said: “At Boeing, we are committed to strengthening the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ aerospace industry by investing in local talent and fostering partnerships with innovative SMEs like Needles and Pins Aerospace. We’re delighted to share in this milestone and support their continued growth.”