AN AEROSPACE company is looking to expand its base in Wrexham by creating a new facility.

Magellan Aerospace wants to create an 8,000 square metre building next to its factory on Llay Industrial Estate to assemble, store and distribute aircraft parts.

The development will also provide offices and welfare facilities for staff, along with on site car parking and a new access point off Miners Road.

The Canadian firm said the proposals would provide new job opportunities in the area.

In a planning statement submitted to Wrexham Council, architects acting on the company’s behalf said: “The proposed development is a significant investment in high tech engineering which supports the wider economy and further enhances North Wales as a centre for aerospace manufacture.

“In the long term, the construction of the new unit will provide economic benefit to the local area via the increase of employment opportunities.

“It will help to encourage other companies to expand onto the business park.

“In the short term, the proposals will provide employment for those contracted to carry out the construction works of the new building.”

It was announced last summer that up to 240 jobs could be lost at the factory due to a reduction in orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement released at the time, the company said it would work to mitigate the potential job losses.

The new proposals will result in the loss of 40 car parking spaces at the existing site.

However, the firm said 72 extra spaces would be created at the facility, which would mean a net increase of 32.

The architects added: “There are currently 123 spaces at the existing facility that will remain in operation following the development being implemented.

“A review has been undertaken of the staffing and shift patterns to confirm the adequacy of the future car parking arrangements to accommodate the needs of the both facilities.”

The local authority is expected to make a decision on the proposals at a later date.