Derby,UK. 11 July 2016 .  Gardner Aerospace is celebrating a 130% increase in production activity, following a series of strategic investments and a £40 million plant modernisation programme across the UK, France, Poland and India.

Better Capital acquired Gardner Aerospace in 2010 and through strategic investments in acquisitions, restructuring, CAPEX and factory modernisation, the group has been extensively upgraded and expanded internationally. Gardner has been on a six-year journey led by strategic improvement initiatives to transform the company into a leading supplier of high-quality aerospace components and assemblies , with the advantages of best-cost international manufacturing.

In the last year alone, Gardner has invested heavily worldwide. In India, following a successful in-country expansion, the Derby-based manufacturer has implemented sheet metal capabilities as well as machining facilities. In Poland, Gardner’s Mielec facility has installed robotic paint spraying, while its Tczew facility is expanding rapidly, with the latest building work increasing plant footprint to over two times its original size.

Gardner’s UK facilities in Derby and Broughton have seen additional high-productivity machinery installed, including a number of 5-axis machines, while its Hull facility welcomed an additional £1m MAG1 machining centre.

In France, Gardner has significantly upgraded its sheet metal operations at its Mazeres facilty, including the installation of a €1.5m new fluid cell press and laser router. At Gardner’s other French facility in Belesta, the company has just rolled open the doors to a completely refurbished site, which will benefit customers and employees.

Nick Sanders, Executive Chairman of Gardner Aerospace, says: “We are proud of what we’ve achieved at Gardner since Better Capital acquired the company six years ago. The group has been extensively modernised and expanded to become a key player in the aerospace detailed parts manufacturing industry. Gardner’s success is largely down to smart investments, but it wouldn’t have been possible without our extremely hard working team. This is an opportunity for me to thank our staff across our global sites for all for their continued efforts. I’m very excited about the future of Gardner Aerospace.”