Airbus UK - setting the pace

The grant enables the company to increase their workforce by 650 to meet a requirement for an increase in production volumes. This is due to record sales of existing Airbus aircraft and the development of two new models, the A380 and the A350 airliner.

Speaking from Broughton this afternoon, Andrew Davies said, "Internationally renowned as a manufacturing centre of excellence, Airbus UK is one of Wales' exemplar companies, a highly innovative company, working across geographical and technological boundaries to set new standards in the competitive global aerospace industry.

"I am delighted that the Assembly Government has been able to support Airbus UK to create these substantial quality employment opportunities. Airbus UK already provides employment for many thousands of highly skilled Welsh workers. Today's announcement is not only a further boost for the company and the local economy, but a major vote of confidence in the Broughton workforce.

"As a client of our recently launched Knowledge Bank for Business, our radical new approach to developing high growth companies in Wales, Airbus UK represents the type of innovative, dynamic company that will support the continued transformation of Wales as a highly skilled, knowledge-based, innovative and vibrant place to do business."

26 January 2006

Notes to editors

Regional Selective Assistance is a discretionary grant scheme delivered by the Welsh Assembly Government to help support new commercially viable capital investment projects that create or safeguard permanent jobs