Diamond Aircraft says it intends to double its production in 2019 and needs at least 100 more workers at its London, Ontario plant and in Weiner Neustadt, Austria. The London plant is especially in the market for skilled trades as it increases its employee base by 25 percent. “Our biggest challenge is getting good, skilled people,” said Scott McFadzean, CEO Diamond Aircraft Canada. The labour pool in London, Ontario is pretty shallow right now. We are looking for motivated people in the greater London area that want a unique opportunity to join our world class aircraft manufacturing company.”
In 2017, Wanfeng Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. bought majority control of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH (DAI Austria), Diamond Aircraft Inc. (DAI Canada) and Austro Engine GmbH (AE). The aviation company is a subsidiary of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, a large auto parts manufacturer employing more than 12,000 people. Diamond also announced last week that it was entering technical supplier sponsorship with Red Bull Air Race pilot Pete McLeod. McLeod is based in London. Diamond will be building custom composite parts for McLeod’s aircraft to make his airplane faster.