A NEWLY-installed managing director at one of East Lancashire’s leading aerospace ventures is set to oversee a £12million expansion programme.

Michael Rigalle is now heading up Safran Nacelles, in Burnley, which is looking to ramp up production on its Airbus A320neo and A330neo contracts.

The 750-strong outfit, formerly known as Aircelle and based in Bancroft Road, is also responsible for reverse thrusters on the Trent 700 and HTF7000 ranges.

Mr Rigalle, 47, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed managing director of Safran Nacelles Ltd in Burnley, a site that is central to the success of Safran Nacelles, with its vast knowledge in operations, programmes and engineering.

“It’s an exciting time for Burnley as we are investing £12million in the site over the next four years to enhance our manufacturing capabilities and ensure we successfully increase the rate of production on the Airbus A320neo and A330neo.

“We will also continue to utilise our expertise in engineering design, quality, composite and component manufacturing, and final assembly for our other programmes such as the Trent 700 thrust reversers and the HTF7000 thrust reversers, for which we are a worldwide centre of excellence.

“Having seen the talented workforce here, I know that these challenges will be met with enthusiasm and delivered to the highest standard.”

Mr Rigalle has more than 23 years of experience in the aerospace field and first joined as a a manufacturing engineer.

His rise through the ranks later saw him join the multinational’s American arm, Safran Electrical and Power, before being promoted to their helicopter engines plant in France, and later returning to the States as vice-president and general manager of their aircraft engines site in Rochester, New York.

Before his new post, he was latterly responsible for industrial strategy at their nacelles operation in Le Havre.

He is hoping to continue their record of investing in local talent, having taken on 89 Burnley College apprentices over the last five years.