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The “heart” of the latest water bomber aircraft that will battle blazes around the world will be made right here in London.
Defence and Aviation Wiring Inc., or DAVWire, on Wilton Grove Road has landed a deal to supply electrical systems to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. for its Canadair 515, a new water bomber that already has 22 orders from the European Union, said DAVWIRE owner and chief executive Mark MacKenzie.
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“All the wiring that interfaces with the equipment and controls the systems onboard will be made in London. It is the heart of the electrical system, of the power distribution,” MacKenzie said.
“They are positioned around the world; they see a lot of use in the EU. There have been significant fires in Europe. It is a global problem now.”
DAVWire will add about 10 employees to the 25 on staff to supply the electrical systems to De Havilland, MacKenzie said. He declined to reveal the dollar value of the contract, but said “this will be a significant increase over our current business.”
The new 515 aircraft is the latest variant of the former 415 series, with several upgrades and innovations, MacKenzie said.
“This will mean growth across our company to support this. The initial work will begin in the new year and we will retool.”
DAVWire was founded in London in 2003 and makes electric harness and system control devices, supplying companies such as General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Diamond Aircraft and Bombardier.
In addition, DAVWire makes several products for other sectors including aerospace, rail, power generation and heavy industry.
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