WHEN Burnley aerospace manufacturer Hurel-Dubois speaks about its high fliers, it is talking about its people as well as its products.

The French-owned company designs and manufactures commercial jet engine thrust reversers and other components for a range of aircraft.

Following its acquisition by SNECMA, the state-owned French aerospace company, Hurel-Dubois is one of the world's top four companies in its field.

With an annual turnover of £60 million, the company employs 630 people at its Bancroft Road plant and sees them as the key components of its commercial success.

Managing director Tom Hughes said the company's commitment to training, personal development and communication had now been recognised with the Investors in People award.

He said the company had recently been very successful in gaining new business which had led to new staff being recruited.

"We have recently employed more than 30 skilled fitters in Burnley," he said. "It goes without saying that precision and quality are vital to our products and the new induction programme has enabled them to adapt to our systems and procedures very quickly."

Mr Hughes explained that the company was increasing access to a wider range of training opportunities for all its employees. A new Training and Development Centre had been established and among courses on offer were French language training and computer skills.

"Everyone's role is important, which is why training is available at all levels, " he said. "We have a number of employees working on degrees and other qualifications as well as a thriving apprenticeship programme.

"Another aspect of Investors In People involves communication and improvements in this area have ensured that our employees are now more aware of business progress and are more involved in improving our efficiency."