Derby could be site of new aerospace business

The potential sale of Spirit AeroSystems fabrication work could lead to the establishment of a new company that would be located in Derby.

That’s according to the latest update from Machinists District No. 70 president and directing business representative Frank Molina in a July 17 letter to union members.

In ongoing meetings between Machinists and representatives of Canadian equity firm Onex and Advanced Integration Technologies, plans call for the new fabrication and machining business to be named Advanced Aerospace, which would be located in Derby, the letter said. There likely would be two divisions created within Advanced Aerospace: Advanced Fabrication and Advanced Integration, the letter said.

“AIT intends to purchase certain fabrication and machining operations from Spirit and is committed to growing and developing this new company into the biggest and most efficient fabrication company in North America,” Molina said in the letter. “Over the next few weeks, Onex, AIT and the IAM will continue to discuss potential plans for transitioning work packages and employees that may be affected. All plans are contingent upon Onex / AIT being granted the Asset Purchase Agreement …”

Spirit officials on Wednesday deferred comment on the possible sale to a statement it e-mailed to The Eagle.

“It is critical to efficiently build capacity to support demand for our products,” Spirit said in the statement. “We are exploring our make-buy strategy and what differentiates us in the marketplace, and we are testing the market. We have nothing to announce at this time.”

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Derby could be site of new aerospace business."