Leamington Spa-based aerospace parts supplier Umeco yesterday said that subsidiary components firm Pattonair France had clinched a major long-term contract with helicopter engine manufacturer Turbomeca to provide a supply chain system for its sites in France and the US.

The new contract, which has an initial term of three years, will start immediately and is expected to generate annualised revenues in excess of 20 million euros (#13.5 million) once implementation is completed, the company said.

As a result of winning the contract, Pattonair France will lease a newly-constructed warehouse and office facility in Taverny, Northern Paris, where it will service its growing customer base including Thales Aerospace with whom it signed a major outsourcing agreement in December 2006.

Clive Snowdon, chief executive of Umeco, said: "This is an important contract win for Pattonair France and represents an extension of our relationship with Turbomeca's parent company, SAFRAN Group."

He added: "Under this extensive contract, Pattonair France will supply Turbomeca’s four French facilities and its major US one, further demonstrating Pattonair’s ability to add to the supply chains of major aerospace manufacturers across the world.

"The establishment of the warehouse in Taverny marks the opening of a new chapter in the rapid development of Pattonair France, and will further enhance our mainland European operations."

Umeco has three divisions specialising in components, composites and repair and overhaul, with customers including Rolls Royce Group, BAE Systems and Boeing.

In November, the group posted a 35 per cent rise in adjusted interim pretax profits to #8.9 million.

Umeco, which employs a 1,450-strong workforce, provides small parts for aircraft and jet engines and advanced composite materials for racing cars and other high-tech applications.

Last June, the group bought Aerodyne Advanced Composites, which now trades as ACG South Africa, and makes advanced composites component parts mainly for McLaren Automotive.

Umeco also bought French aerospace repair and overhaul business Antavia in October, giving the firm its first repair and overhaul base in continental Europe.

Meanwhile, Eclipse Aviation – a major customer of Black Country-based group Hampson Industries – plans to begin construction of a 41,585 sq ft building in Albuquerque, the first step in the company's plans for a permanent manufacturing facility.

Elipse said the facility will employ about 100 people when it goes into full operation by the end of this year, including those in training, flight support and administrative support.

The company builds the Eclipse 500, one of the "very light jets" that it predicts will revolutionise air travel by making jet aircraft more affordable for individuals and companies to purchase and operate.

Last year Hampson won an estimated #40.1 million deal to supply advanced composite structures for the new jet, and already had a contract to build the complete tail structure.

The contracts were recently extended to December 2015, representing an increase of more than 33 per cent in the expected value of the combined contracts over their lives.