We had the opportunity to have a conversation with Lee Kelsey, the Sales Director of Farsound Aviation, a leading company in the aviation industry. Farsound is currently experiencing a period of remarkable growth, expanding its global operations to meet the increasing demand in the market. With recent developments such as the opening of a new headquarters in the UK and a facility in Spain, as well as plans to open a state-of-the-art facility in the USA, Farsound is positioning itself as a key player in the aviation sector.
During the interview, Lee Kelsey emphasized Farsound’s dedication to sustainability, with initiatives ranging from eco-friendly packaging to transitioning their sales team’s vehicles to hybrid or fully electric models. Lastly, Lee Kelsey shared exciting news about Farsound’s participation in the upcoming Paris Airshow. As an exhibitor, Farsound will showcase their specialized aviation and MRO supply chain and logistics services, providing a platform to connect with customers and industry professionals from around the world. More from Lee Kelsey, Sales Director of Farsound Aviation, in conversation with MRO Business Today. Read On………
Q – Farsound is currently expanding its global operations to meet demand?
Ans – Farsound is currently undergoing a very exciting period of growth, with expansion happening in the UK, US and across Europe.
In April of this year, the Farsound team moved into their new 58,000 sq.ft. headquarters in Essex in the UK. The state-of-the art facility has been designed and built entirely from scratch. The building, which is considerably bigger than Farsound’s previous HQ, has capacity for expansion, with scope to add mezzanine floors and additional facilities as the company grows and recruits more people across all departments and disciplines.
The new HQ building has been designed with sustainability and eco-friendly construction at its heart. Solar panels on the roof provide electricity for power and lighting, EV charge points are installed in the car park for electric vehicles, and reclaimed greywater will be used for flushing toilets. Meanwhile, staff comfort and good quality working conditions are also key factors, with many aspects of the new building designed to encourage a collaborative culture. Inside, the layout is open plan to allow for flexible working. An on-site canteen provides nutritious meals, while relaxation spaces, games rooms, gym facilities, yoga areas and attractive décor are all designed to enhance the working experience and support the health and wellbeing of Farsound staff.
Technology also plays a large part in the new facility with a focus on the latest IT and logistics systems. For example, the operations area in the new HQ building includes a £1.2 million robotic system for the automatic picking of aerospace parts.
Farsound also recently expanded its operations in Spain with the opening of a new facility close to Madrid-Barajas Airport to serve its airline customer Iberia.
The new building has been adapted specifically for the purpose. The team based there will supply and maintain key components for aero engines for Iberia’s fleet of aircraft. Close proximity to Iberia’s operational airport base is just one of the many benefits that the new facilities will bring to Farsound, along with additional space, staff and resources to service new customers across Europe in the future.
Being nearer to Iberia maintenance, means our dedicated team can work more closely with them. We can provide the exact type and scope of aero engine parts, supply chain logistics and MRO services Iberia requires, exactly when they need it.
Q – Farsound will be opening a new facility in the USA this Summer?
Ans – Farsound is pleased to announce the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in San Antonio, Texas this summer.
The new premises in San Antonio will serve as a base for all Farsound’s activities in the Americas from bespoke MRO supply chain services to aero engine parts logistics. The initial facility will occupy approximately 28,000 square feet of specialist warehousing and office facilities.
This exciting expansion follows the appointment of new Farsound President USA, Matt Berkebile, who will be based out of the new facility. Matt will oversee exciting plans for growth across the US region to develop Farsound’s reputation and market reach in the lucrative global MRO and aviation sectors.
Opening this exciting new facility in San Antonio is an enormous milestone for Farsound. It supports our ambitious plans to strengthen our presence in the US market and grow our reputation for excellence, customer service and innovation in the global aviation industry.
Q – Farsound has launched a new kitting cabinet?
Ans – Yes – our new multi capacity kitting cabinet has been designed to meet our customers demands. Supplying advanced kitting solutions directly to the assembly line. Each cabinet is fully customised around unique workflows.
Q – What is the importance of sustainability at Farsound?
Ans – We have been implementing greener ways of doing business over the last few years.
We achieved our ISO14001 and as part of obtaining that approval we set about looking at all of our packaging to become more eco-friendly. That was from boxes to bags, to literally everything involved with our parts going out the door.
All our Sales team company vehicles are now hybrid or fully electric. We’ve got charging points installed so whoever’s got either a plugin or a fully electric car is allowed to plug in and charge their vehicles, to try and encourage more team members to go towards electric. We have recently introduced a Bike To Work scheme for those members that live close to the Head Office.
Q – Will Farsound be attending the Paris Airshow in June?
Ans – Farsound is delighted to be exhibiting at the 2023 Paris Airshow once again this summer. We will showcase our suite of specialist aviation and MRO supply chain and logistics services. The team are looking forward to connecting with customers from across Europe and to meeting new contacts in the international aviation sphere.
You can meet the Farsound team in the UK Pavilion – Stand G156 – Hall 2B.
