IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Meggitt PLC, a global engineering group specializing in extreme environment components and smart subsystems, is focusing on California to expand sensor and electronics manufacturing. Facilities in San Juan Capistrano, California, and Londonderry, New Hampshire, are being consolidated into a 190,000-sq.-ft. location in Irvine where Meggitt expects to grow its workforce to nearly 500 over the next five years with an investment of $24 million. A grand opening ceremony was held on Thurs., Sept. 12, 2013.

"We are strengthening our position in North America by establishing a strong engineering center with a world-class manufacturing operation," said Peter Huber, President, Meggitt Sensing Systems. "We anticipate a smooth transition to this new location that offers a very attractive working environment, efficient production capabilities and layout, a highly positive impression for our customers, and room for growth."

Over the last several months, the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has worked with Meggitt to assist with site selection, workforce development and the various permits needed to enable Meggitt to remain a technology leader and employer in California.

"California applauds Meggitt's decision to bring new aerospace and other high technology jobs into our state," said Mike Rossi, Governor Brown's Senior Jobs Advisor. "These dynamic industries support tens of thousands of jobs in California, and the state is committed to helping companies like Meggitt expand their operations."

Special guests attending the event included Peter Huber, President, Meggitt Sensing Systems; Irvine Mayor Steven Choi; Leslie McBride, Deputy Director, GO-Biz; Chris O'Connor, Consul General, United Kingdom; Jean-Francois Lichtenstern, Consul General, Switzerland; and representatives from the offices of United States Congressman John Campbell, California State Senator Mimi Walters, California State Assembly Members Diane Harkey, Don Wagner and Allan Mansoor, and Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer.

Meggitt Sensing Systems specializes in high technology products and systems for civil and military aerospace as well as the energy, power generation, nuclear, oil and gas, industrial, laboratory measurement, automotive and space markets.

Meggitt PLC provides high technology products and systems for aerospace, defense and other specialist markets. The company's civil aerospace presence covers large commercial transports, regional aircraft, business jets, helicopters and general aviation. In California, Meggitt has nine business locations and a workforce of nearly 2,400.

Meggitt employs approximately 10,600 people in manufacturing facilities across Asia, Europe and North America.

For details on Meggitt Sensing Systems products, visit www.meggittsensingsystems.com.

SOURCE Meggitt PLC

RELATED LINKShttp://www.meggitt.com