Hamilton firm to manufacture French planes

1.00pm

A Hamilton company has today announced plans to manufacture and market worldwide a French-designed two-seater plane from a new factory at Hamilton Airport.

Alpha Aviation Ltd expects to make more than 100 aircraft, worth more than $15 million, every year. Fifty skilled jobs would be created when production starts next year, said chairman Richard Sealy. Alpha would build a 14,000sq m factory on the western side of the airport.

Most of the Alpha planes, which are used by aero clubs, flying schools and the military, would be exported, he said.

One of the directors and shareholders is millionaire entrepreneur Richard Izard who will visit the United States next month to firm up sales.

Mr Izard made his fortune in the US when his saw-blade company provided more than 40 per cent of the American home handyman saw-blade market. He sold the Wellsford-based business, which had a turnover of more than $50 million, in 1993 to a company called American Tool.

Mr Izard has the Australasian agency for French-based Robin Aviation which make the Alpha two-seater planes in Darois near Dijon in France.

The agreement with the French has resulted in Alpha securing the worldwide rights to manufacture the planes in New Zealand.

Mr Izard, who learned how to fly at Hamilton in the 1970s when he and his wife Patience lived in Te Awamutu, said using Hamilton as a base was exciting.

"It's got the infrastructure here. The more we get here, the more work you can share around."

The airport is already base to Pacific Aerospace Corporation which designs and builds aircraft for the world leisure market.

Hamilton Airport chairman John Storey said the Alpha decision was a great kick-start to the airport's plans to develop 130ha for commercial and industrial use. The airport recently announced a $51 million development programme which included improving the terminal and creating an industrial park.

- NZPA