Welsh Assembly Government Backs Airbus with £28.66m

The Welsh Assembly Government has committed £28.66m to support Airbus's development of composite wing capability and advanced manufacturing skills at the company's Broughton facility.

The Assembly Government's partnership with Airbus will enable the creation of an environmentally friendly facility for the assembly of wings made from composite materials at  Broughton  - and this latest investment will build future skill sets and strengthen the role of Wales as a centre of high-technology industries.

Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, said: 'Today we can all celebrate a major investment guaranteeing Airbus’ partnership with Wales for years, if not decades to come.

'We also celebrate the fact Wales and the United Kingdom will now be moving into the mainstream in composites manufacturing - not just playing at composites, but moving to the top end of high-tech composite manufacturing technology.

'Airbus is an integral part of the Welsh economy. It is an invaluable asset to us.  This investment - and the move into composites - reinforces and enhances our reputation still further as a country with high skills and high value products.'

Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister for Wales, said: 'This is not merely a matter of developing skills and safeguarding the employment of skilled people, vital though that is. It is a matter of introducing new technology that will put Wales and the UK at the forefront of carbon fibre composites technology.'

Brian Fleet, Senior Vice-President, Centre of Excellence Wing & Pylon, Airbus in the UK, said: 'We welcome the Welsh Assembly Government’s vital forward-looking investments in composites. This investment helps us to look beyond the acute challenges that currently face us as a result of the global economic downturn and allow us to take a long view into the future.'

'There’s no question about it; This will benefit the people of Wales for generations to come.'