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South West RDA welcomes New Era for aerospace manufacturing at
Filton, Bristol
07 January 2009
A new chapter in the history of aerospace manufacture in the
South West began on Monday (5th January) with the official opening
of GKN Aerospace - Filton at Bristol.
This follows GKN's recent deal with Airbus to take over its wing
component and assemblies manufacturing unit at the site.
Graham Harrison, director of international business at the South
West RDA, warmly welcomed the news, explaining: "It marks a new era
for aerospace manufacturing at Filton and GKN's multi-million pound
investment plans for the site will contribute significantly towards
the region's sustainable economy and keep the South West and the UK
as a major player in the aerospace sector.
"GKN are one of the world's oldest and most respected
engineering companies with a history of success built up over 250
years. In the South West region, GKN already has significant
operations in Weston-Super-Mare and Yeovil where they have a track
record of investing in people and capital."
"GKN is also investing heavily in world-class facilities to
manufacture components for the new Airbus A350XWB using
light-weight carbon composite materials which enable much lower
emissions than current aircraft. This will help the region's
massive aerospace supply chain businesses and create new
opportunities for those that embrace the challenge of supplying
composite rather than metallic parts."
He continued; "At the South West RDA our aerospace team has
worked closely with Airbus, GKN and with other partners to help
make this deal happen and to secure the future of manufacturing in
Bristol, safeguarding many high value jobs in one of the region's
priority sectors."
"In addition, the Agency is investing £8m in the Airbus-led Next
Generation Composite Wing project, which GKN will participate
heavily in. This will enable Airbus, GKN and a wide range of
aerospace companies in the region to remain at the forefront of
technological innovation."
GKN is now the third largest engineering company in the UK after
BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce and already has significant operations
in Weston-Super-Mare and Yeovil where it has a track record of
investing in people and capital.
Airbus's other operations at Filton will continue, undertaking
high value research and development and design work on wings,
landing gear, fuel systems, systems-integration and A400M wing
assembly.
Harrison concludes: "Together, Airbus and GKN form a powerful
partnership that will underpin the South West's leading position in
aerospace."
Ends
For more information call Ben Murch at Spirit Public Relations
on 0117 944 1415 or email bmurch@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
Notes to Editors
1) The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk
Contact Details
Name Ben Murch
Tel 0117 944 1415
Email bmurch@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk