Top flight access from Instant UpRight

Instant UpRight the Ireland based manufacturer of aluminium access products, has embarked on a high value, joint venture to produce specialised work platforms for the US aviation market.

Cooperating with aircraft ground support equipment specialist, CV International, Instant UpRight will supply Standard Aero, a global leader in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services. The platforms will be used to access and maintain large aircraft.

For Instant UpRight and its partner CVI, the collaboration marks the latest phase in their penetration of the large US aviation market. The news was released at a business reception held in Washington, DC hosted by Enterprise Ireland. The event was one of several associated with a trade mission to the US led by Ireland's Prime Minister, Brian Cowen.

Instant UpRight managing director, John Nevin said, "This networked approach has enabled us to satisfy the needs of the Aerospace industry with the best possible designs at reasonable costs. Standard Aero and CVI have been exceptional partners, bringing years of relevant-and invaluable-knowledge to the project."

Nevin noted that the project was also an important part of his firm's strategy to expand its penetration of both aviation and other speciality industrial markets in the US and abroad. "Instant UpRight's entry to the aviation market provides a healthy position from which to springboard into other sectors, such as power generator maintenance platforms, where we have strongly differentiated offerings and expertise."

Initiated in September 2007, the project is a tiered effort: Standard Aero is the project contractor and handles project services and integration; CVI supplies steel jacks and framework; Instant UpRight designs and manufactures aluminum decking, railings and access stairs, and together, CVI and Instant UpRight perform installation. The goal is to provide several custom, precision-fitted structures. Each serves a different section of the aircraft and provides safe, cost-effective access for maintenance personnel working on planes that are the height of multi-storey buildings. First prototypes were delivered in late 2008; one subsequent section of the project is now in production, and release by Standard Aero of contracts for four additional structures is expected in the near future.