21 May 2009
Samlesbury Celebrates 70 years of aircraft manufacture with
event to mark opening of new development
BAE Systems today held an event, attended by local dignitaries
and employees to mark the completion of the first phase of a
multi-million pound investment at the Company’s Samlesbury
site.
The event, which was hosted by Kevin Taylor, managing director
of the Military Air Solutions business, celebrated the site’s 70
year heritage as an aircraft manufacturer and marked the opening of
a new site entrance, reception and office buildings.
Kevin Taylor said: “BAE Systems is a substantial contributor to
the UK economy with around half of its UK employees based in the
North West.
“The Samlesbury development demonstrates our commitment to the
region and this investment will help ensure that Samlesbury remains
an important centre of excellence for aerospace in the North West
for many years to come.
“Our aim is to help build a strong and vibrant supply chain in
the region. We have been working closely with the Northwest
Regional Development Agency and North West Aerospace Alliance to
maintain the supply network and help strengthen its ability to
compete in the global market place.”
The Northwest Regional Development Agency’s Chief Executive,
Steven Broomhead was a key speaker at the event. He said: “The NWDA
has worked closely with BAE Systems on the development programme
here at Samlesbury. We believe it will help harness and
retain skills, technology and knowledge in the region, and underpin
the future of aerospace in Lancashire.
“This is a great example of how the NWDA is making a difference
in the region. By understanding the needs of businesses and
improving the landscape we can open the door to further
investments. This combination of joined-up thinking and resources
can deliver high quality facilities and jobs for the Northwest that
would have gone elsewhere in the UK without our involvement and
support.”
The NWDA have invested close to £4M of funding into the
infrastructure works which will see significant improvements to the
flow of traffic and safety on the A59 through-road and provide much
improved access for the BAE Systems Samlesbury Site
developments.
The funding will also improve public access to the Samlesbury
site which is vital for the future growth and development of
Samlesbury.
The energy-efficient four-storey office buildings, which form
part of the initial phase of the development, will house
staff working on a number of internationally important aircraft
programmes including the F-35 Lightning II, the largest contract of
its kind in the world.
Work on the next phase of the development has already
commenced. A new high-technology machining facility dedicated
to the F35 Lightning II programme is under construction and will be
completed in 2010.
ENDS
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace
company delivering a full range of products and services for air,
land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security,
information technology solutions and customer support services.
With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales
exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information contact:
Paul Melling, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 856992 Mobile: +44 (0) 7801
718326
paul.melling@baesystems.com