Aero Engine Controls is to build a new £60 million advanced manufacturing and technology facility in Solihull.

The new headquarters for the aeronauticaul engineering company will be built at Birmingham Business Park after being given the green light by Solihull Council's planning committee.

Currently based at Hall Green in Birmingham the selection process is now underway to find a main contractor and it is hoped work on the project will start later this year.

It has been estimated around 70 jobs will be created during the construction process.

AEC will start re-locating more than 1,100 staff to the new facility during 2014.

The 250,000 sq ft building will incorporate technology, design, development, manufacturing and testing capabilities, with associated expansion space.

Simon Burr, CEO of AEC said: “We’re delighted our planning application has been approved. This is fantastic news for everybody at AEC and we can now look towards growing the business for the future.

“The support we have received from Solihull Council has been tremendous. With such a large and complex project such as this, it’s vital that everyone works together to ensure everything proceeds smoothly – and that is exactly what has happened for us.”

Councillor Ken Meeson, leader of Solihull Council said: “Solihull has a world-renowned reputation as a centre of excellence for advanced engineering so it’s great news for the borough that AEC is building its new headquarters here.

“We are delighted to welcome AEC to the growing number of successful businesses, who have chosen to locate in Solihull.”