AN AEROSPACE manufacturer which works with most of the world’s major airlines has officially launched a plant in Singapore.

Poole-based Field International says its new facility in the city state will pave the way for more international growth.

Managing director Mark Booker said it was a “momentous” achievement for the firm, which was founded by his father David in 1995.

The firm – based on Poole’s Nuffield Industrial Estate – will be able to supply South East Asia and beyond from its new manufacturing and repair operation.

Field International says the plant was a “distressed” business when taken over last year, but that the company “re-energised” it while keeping its highly skilled staff. Field International plans to recruit a further 10 staff, including a general manager.

Mark Booker said: “The opening of our Singapore plant is a significant step forward for Field International, and the ceremony really did the occasion justice. Having such a large presence in the area will enhance our relationship with South East Asia considerably, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how we can grow from here.”

Field International has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Singapore, the US, China and Spain, as well as in Poole, and trades in more than 50 countries.

It supplies most major airlines and maintenance and repair organisations with licensed aircraft tooling and ground support equipment. It is one of the UK’s few official Airbus Tier 1 aircraft tooling suppliers and one of the top-selling Boeing tooling licensees.

A celebration for the new plant was hosted at Singapore’s Hotel Atrium, with representatives from the British Chamber in Singapore, including Justinian Habner, deputy director for international trade.

After the reception, guests were taken to the site at the Singapore Industrial Zone for an opening ceremony, which included a traditional lion dance for good fortune, followed by a tour of the plant and a demonstration.