Birmingham-based manufacturer Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is set for expansion following a £4 million investment programme.

The Fort Dunlop firm said the multi-million pound investment in a new production machine will further improve efficiency and increase capacity at the plant.

The company, which now exports 80 per cent of the products it manufactures at its Fort Dunlop site, has doubled in size in the last five years and has recently added a number of new semi-automated production machines to satisfy the rising demand for its products.

As part of its capacity expansion programme, the company acquired tyre manufacturing and testing equipment from Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohama Rubber Company when the firm pulled out of the aircraft tyre industry in 2010.

Together, the new production and testing machines increase Dunlop’s new tyre output by 15 per cent, with most of this expansion focused on supporting operators of popular regional aircraft manufactured by Bombardier and Embraer.

The equipment will also be used to produce tyres for Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft, of which there are currently more than 4,300 in service.

“We have made a significant investment in our factory because we very much believe in the future of manufacturing here in Birmingham,” said the company’s chairman, Ian Edmondson.

“Every forecast suggests that commercial air travel is going to continue to expand and we are ensuring that we are well placed to take advantage by increasing our manufacturing capacity and developing new, innovative products.”

Earlier this year, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres showcased a range of new tyres at the Paris Air Show and has recently announced contracts with airlines including Flybe and Travel Service Airlines.