Hamburg-based aircraft engine manufacturer Thielert is to build a third German facility at Altenburg-Nobitz airport. Over a three-year period, the company says it will invest up to 6.4 million Euros and employ around 50 staff at the site.

A new production building is to be completed and become operational by the end of 2006. The company says the building will enable it to expand both the production of aircraft engines and the research, development and testing operations on its jet fuel piston aircraft engines.

The research and development on the Centurion aircraft engines will also be established at the site. Testing facilities, including flight tests, will form part of the scope of activity and in addition, Altenburg will be the location for progressing the design and assembly of engine installations in further aircraft types.

"It is only logical for us, as an aircraft engine manufacturer, to drive forward the development of engine installations for aircraft at an airport. Altenburg-Nobitz is convincing because of its proximity to our engine facility in Liechtenstein, Saxony," said Frank Thielert, ceo and founder.

The signing of the purchase contract for the site took place on April 20, 2006 in Liechtenstein.