Caerdav expands St Athan operations with new composites and paint workshop

In line with its long-term growth strategy, Caerdav has commenced work on a standalone composites and paint workshop at its St Athan base.

Planned to open in early 2027, the new facility will expand the company’s maintenance support capabilities by significantly increasing its back shop capacity.

The refurbishment project will transform Hangar 64, a currently unused building adjacent to Caerdav’s Twin Peaks hangars.

The work will include the building of a mezzanine office level, alongside fitting out 4,300 sq ft of additional workshop space, with dedicated sanding and clean rooms, alongside a large paint spray booth that can be split to accommodate two smaller jobs.

Expansion set to generate local training opportunities and jobs

Alan Steer, Base Maintenance Manager at Caerdav, said: “We’re excited to get this project off the ground as it’s another indication of how the business is moving forwards. The additional workshop capacity will allow us to deliver a wider range of services to customers with aircraft in the hangars and also third parties looking for support.

“Of course, an expansion of this size will need to be staffed and we’re proud to be bringing more job opportunities to the local area. In the current market, the goal is to find people with the right aptitude and mindset. They may not have aviation experience but engineers, technicians and mechanics looking to make a switch to this industry should certainly get in touch.”

Helping Caerdav customers reduce costs, minimise downtime and extend component life, the new facility will include a dedicated team of Composite Technicians, Mechanics and new trainees, who will deliver specialist expertise in fibreglass, carbon fibre and metal to metal bonded repairs, supported by the expanded paint capabilities for smaller parts.

Set to open for business in early 2027, the development of the new workshop follows the opening of a fourth maintenance line at the start of this year.