New jobs hope as firm looks to clinch deal

Up to 45 jobs could be created by a Mid Wales company which is poised to secure a major international aviation contract, it was revealed today.

Cobra UK, based on the Buttington Cross Enterprise Park in Welshpool, has taken full advantage of the downturn in car manufacturing to move into the prosperous aerospace industry and has shaken hands on deals which could lead to sales of £150 million.

Managing Director Gary Seale said: "We are an automotive parts company going through the pains of recession so we decided to look at where our core skills led us."

The company has come up with an aircraft seat that is 5.2kg lighter than its competitors, meaning a 220 seat aeroplane can save as much as £530,000 a year in fuel bills and maintenance reduction costs.

He added if it all comes to fruition up to 45 jobs would be created.

Already there is massive interest in the product with two of Russia's largest aircraft makers signing letters of agreement on major deals after Cobra took the idea to MAKS air show near Moscow.

Mr Seale said: "If the deals come to fruition we will need to look at expansion and that can only be good news for the economic climate of Mid Wales."