NEW AIRCRAFT FACTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25365, 25 October 1943, Page 2

NEW AIRCRAFT FACTORY

SITE 'IN CHRISTCHURCH

(Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 23. The establishment of a factory m Christchurch for overhauling aircraft engines is now being considered by the de Havilland Aircraft Company of New Zealand, Ltd. The general manager of the company (Mr N E. Higgs) and members of his staff have visited Christchurch twice in recent months to inspect premises suitable for a factory, and it is understood that a building used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a repair depot has been selected. Provided that sufficient labour is available, and the indications are that it will be, the factory should be in operation befoie tlie end of the year. ' .... The New Zealand branch of the de Havilland Aircraft Company, Ltd., which manufactures the famous Mosquito, the fastest military aircraft m the world, was formed towards the end of 1939, and a factory was established in Wellington shortly before the war started. Initial production was by assembly of components received from Britain and Australia, with the exception of the woodwork and certain small components made in New Zealand. As the factory became established and the personnel was trained, more of the parts were made by the company, and now entire air frames are made in the Dominion. In addition to its aircraft work, the company does certain intricate work for the Munitions Department.