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MSB Aerospace LLC, the U.S.-based division of Montreal-headquartered precision engineering business MSB Design, has begun production at its new Savannah, Ga., facility.
The work is being undertaken in the newly equipped state-of-the-art workshops which mirror the Montreal site in terms of production and process. Although smaller in size, the production unit, which currently measures 10 000 square feet, is expected to produce up to 30 per cent of MSB’s north America output through 2018.
MSB Aerospace LLC is already holding another 60 000 square feet in the same building for further expansion.
With the new facility in operation MSB’s customers benefit from quicker turn-around times, a more personalized service, and earlier direct liaison with the customer in the product development lifecycle.
Customers also benefit from a change in purchasing patterns with MSB now buying nearly 100 per cent of materials in the U.S.
“Our product portfolio, and thus the overall capabilities of the business, has grown as we have reduced potential custom delays, eliminated currency fluctuations, and negated import taxes. This adds further value for our clients and allows us to create more bespoke products, as well as redefining our portfolio,” said Shannon Gill, managing director, MSB Aerospace LLC.
The first inserts and tables came off the line in January 2018 with delivery to the new production unit’s first customer, Gulfstream, following swiftly after.
The team, which consists of a mix of new recruits, and long-term MSB employees, is manufacturing the full MSB range of products. Bespoke crystal, china and flatware stowage inserts (CCF), single and dual pedestal hi-lo tables, personal device holders, and the innovative up-lit glass holders launched at NBAA-BACE 2017 are all in high demand.
Products are destined for a mix of completion centres, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and private owners based throughout the U.S.
“Establishing our American presence has not been without its challenges as we had to find the right combination of know-how, attitude and cultural spirit to build out our team,” said Gill.
“Our clients expect very high quality, so we had to employ recruits who understood this. So far, the items in process are fulfilling our expectations. We are confident our clients will be happy with the final products.”
MSB opened its first US office in 2015 and since then has built a human resources division, MSB Global Resources, MGR, based in Wichita; as well as MSB Aerospace LLC the US head office and MSB’s first non-Canadian manufacturing facility. “We are still hiring as we have plans to expand our shop to develop new products. We also want to extend our mechanism development, up our deliveries, and improve our production speeds, all of which will add value to the client experience.”
