AEROSPACE companies in East Lancashire aim to win a slice of a multi-billion pound industry next month.

Eight firms will exhibit under the Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace's banner when it makes its debut at Helitech 97, a shop window for the world's helicopter industry.

The Consortium believes the market is a potential source of new business for many of its 130-strong member list.

"The county has traditionally been associated with the production of fixed wing aircraft of all types," said CLA chief executive Mike Clifford.

"The area's high precision engineering base, together with its wealth of experience in design and development work mean that there is significant scope to transfer know-how to this major sector of the market."

More than 400 companies from 20 countries are expected to be represented at the whirlybird event near Gatwick Airport.

The Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace and several member companies will also be present at the Offshore Europe exhibition in Aberdeen.

The consortium's exhibitions initiative is being supported through help from a variety of sources including the UK Challenge Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

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