Welcome for new jobs as BAE Systems extends site
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Plans by BAE Systems to increase fuselage production of the US F-35 jet, extending its site in Samlesbury, Lancashire, (pictured) with the creation of around 1,000 new jobs emerged as the F-35 programme reached a milestone with the opening of the latest phase of the fifth generation stealth fighter jet manufacturing facility at the site.
Welcoming the news, the CBI's Dr Tim Bradshaw said: "The news that BAE Systems will be expanding production is a real boost for the UK's manufacturing sector. This investment will help sustain high-value manufacturing capabilities and skills in the North West."
As part of the company's £150m investment in the F-35 programme at Samlesbury, the facility when fully completed will enable workers to produce one F-35 aft fuselage set every day, compared to the current rate of one set per week. The extension is the second part of a three-phase expansion plan to the facility as the programme gears up for peak rate production by 2016.
At the official opening of the new facility. Chris Allam, senior VP on the F-35 programme, said: "The facility opening is an exciting development in the F-35 story at Samlesbury. F-35 is an important programme for BAE Systems and the capabilities that this facility provides are equal to anywhere in the world.
"We're using state-of-the-art machines and manufacturing techniques to ensure we can meet the rates of production that the F-35 programme demands. It's fair to say that this facility is proof that we're standing up to that challenge and we're keeping ourselves at the forefront of UK manufacturing."
Over the past ten years, BAE Systems has made significant investment in the F-35 programme, including a new titanium machining facility which opened in 2010, a new office building and now the newly extended manufacturing facility. BAE Systems employs almost 2,000 people on the F-35 programme.
