Piran Composites, a leading manufacturer of advanced composite structures, has taken a significant leap forward in its research and development capabilities thanks to support from the Good Growth Programme.
Experiencing exponential growth, the company had outgrown its previous premises. With investment from the programme, Piran Composites has developed a purpose-built Advanced Aerostructures R&D Facility, positioning Cornwall as a key player in the future of aerospace innovation.
The Challenge
As demand for high-performance composite structures grew, Piran Composites faced limitations in space and infrastructure. Their existing site could no longer accommodate the scale or complexity of their operations. To continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to aerospace clients, the company needed a facility that could support advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, and future expansion.
The Solution
The new facility, made possible through Good Growth funding, now houses Piran Composites’ extensive list of machinery alongside several new additions:
- A state-of-the-art 3D scanner for high-precision component analysis.
- A large autoclave, one of the biggest known in the South West, enabling the curing of large composite parts.
- A two-storey cleanroom, purpose-built to meet aerospace-grade standards in a controlled environment.
This investment has significantly enhanced the company’s ability to deliver complex aerostructure projects with greater efficiency and precision.
Apprenticeship Programme
In addition to infrastructure, Piran Composites is investing in people. The company also launched a bespoke apprenticeship programme in partnership with Truro and Penwith College, offering young people hands-on experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
“We decided that, as a business, it was our responsibility to be able to build the skills that we need.”
— Felicity Searle, Head of HR and Finance
The bespoke programme is designed to provide much-needed advanced training in composites manufacturing, helping to nurture local talent and support Cornwall’s growing high-tech industries, creating more skilled job opportunities within the county.
This project is made possible thanks to a £1.133m investment from the Good Growth Programme funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.