MSB Design’s US division, MSB Aerospace, has marked one year of production in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
The facility was established in late 2017 with the US market in mind. The company says it has since produced more than 50 hi-lo tables (single- and dual-pedestal), along with various bespoke crystal, china and flatware (CCF) stowage inserts, personal device holders, and up-lit glass holders.
The Savannah facility began with nine staff, and now employs 22, with more recruits anticipated to join in the next six months. The 10,000ft² (929m²) production unit is expected to produce up to 30% of MSB’s total North American output in 2019, and the company is eyeing 60,000ft² (5,574m²) for further expansion.
“Clients are very happy that we’ve established a USA-based manufacturing presence,” said Shannon Gill, managing director at MSB Aerospace.
“It allows us to better manage product costs as materials are sourced in the USA, so we save the expense, and risk, of moving materials across borders. We have reduced potential customs delays, eliminated currency fluctuations and negated import taxes. Our clients expect very high quality and so far, the items are fulfilling their expectations. We look forward to continuing to build our US presence.”
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. Subsequent products were destined for a mix of completion centers including L3, OEMs and private owners based throughout the USA. The company began 2019 with orders to supply products to six new clients with delivery occurring this year.
Looking to the next year, in addition to manufacturing its own products, Gill is hoping to add build-to-print support for customers shortly. Several newly manufactured items should also enter production in 2019, including variations on tables, new mechanisms and products for new aircraft platforms.
Senior management, clients, partners and local Savannah government officials celebrated the milestone during an event held at the Mighty First Eighth Airforce museum in Savannah.
Gill thanked local government for its support and customers for their business and acknowledged the hard work and dedication the newly created team members had given to make the first year a success.
