MSB Aerospace, the US-based division of Montreal-headquartered precision engineering business MSB Design, is celebrating the first year of production at its Savannah, Georgia facility. Opened late in 2017 to manufacture customised products for the US business aviation market, the facility has already produced a variety of bespoke crystal, china and flatware stowage inserts (CCF), more than 50 single and dual pedestal hi-lo tables, personal device holders and a collection of MSB's up-lit glass holders.

When production began in Savannah, the company employed nine people. Today the staff numbers 22 with more recruits anticipated to join in the next six months. The 10,000 sq ft production unit is expected to produce up to 30 per cent of MSB's total North American output this year, and the company is eyeing 60,000 sq ft for further expansion.

“Clients are very happy that we've established a US-based manufacturing presence," says managing director Shannon Gill. “It allows us to better manage product costs as materials are sourced in the US, 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 centres 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.

In addition to manufacturing its own products MSB Aerospace is planning to add build-to-print support for customers in the coming year. Several newly manufactured items will also enter production this year including variations on tables, new mechanisms and products for new aircraft platforms.

Senior management, clients, partners and local Savannah government officials celebrated MSB Aerospace's first year during an event held at the Mighty First Eighth Airforce museum in its home town of Savannah. Gill thanked local government for its support, 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.