PRIME Minister David Cameron was in the region yesterday to officially open a new £400 million factory at Airbus.
Helping secure 6,000 jobs, the new North base at Broughton will provide wings for the company’s new A350 aircraft.
Speaking to more than 800 local dignitaries, Airbus apprentices and staff at the opening, Mr Cameron said: “The Government is committed to building a more balanced economy with stronger manufacturing, exports and private investment, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK.
“I welcome the opening of Airbus’ new state of the art facility which will contribute to this and support our programme to create sustainable economic growth.”
Bigger than Wembley Stadium, the new environmentally friendly factory will produce high-tech carbon fibre ‘composite’ wings for the A350 XWB.
The Welsh Government has invested £29 million in the 46,000 square metre factory to support employees, helping them retrain and have the skills needed to make the wings.
The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “The opening of this world class facility is a major achievement and excellent news for Wales.
“The Welsh Government and Airbus are delighted to be able to celebrate such a significant event which underlines a major investment in Broughton and reinforces our reputation as a country with high end manufacturing skills and high value products.”
The A350 XWB programme will support more than 1,200 jobs in the Airbus sites at Filton and Broughton and over 5,000 other high skill jobs across the UK supply chain.
Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said: “The Airbus North Factory, a truly world-leading aircraft wing assembly plant, is a major pillar in the Airbus global set-up.”
Rebecca Roberts, a performing arts student at Yale College in Wrexham, performed a specially written song at the opening.
Along with a backing group of students she sang Are you ready to fly? accompanied by a specially made video about the aircraft.
She said: “I was so amazed to be given this opportunity. Chances like this don’t come around often so I’ve just made the most of it and enjoyed every moment.”
The Royal Buckley Town Band, made up of current and past Airbus employees, then performed as the new factory was unveiled to the audience.