FLINTSHIRE could be in line for a massive jobs windfall this year.
Despite the economic slump, the county’s manufacturing base is going from strength to strength, with up to 600 new jobs expected by the end of the year.
Deeside Industrial Park created more than 250 new jobs last year and could bring in the same number this year as the county’s enterprise zone launches in April.
Cllr Matt Wright, Flintshire Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “The enterprise zone is expected to increase interest tremendously.
“We will move up to the next league nationally and internationally in terms of interest in Flintshire.
“We are hoping we could see a similar number of jobs created at the park this year. We just have to keep pushing. There is a regular interest in firms coming to Flintshire.”
Firms set to move to the park this month include MD Construction, and GB Building Solutions, while aerospace company Triumph will open on the site within the first quarter of the year.
Cllr Wright said the council would continue to work hard to attract new businesses to the county but that, ultimately, it was a commercial decision by the firms.
Tuesday’s announcement by Airbus CEO Tom Enders that up to 600 jobs could be created in the UK by the firm this year also spells good news for the county.
The firm’s Broughton factory, which employs 6,000 workers, is Airbus’ centre of manufacturing for civil airliners in the UK. Its other UK site is in Filton, near Bristol.
A number of the jobs are expected to come to Flintshire.
But concerns have been raised that about 60 jobs could be lost at the Metal Improvement Company when Airbus switches part of its wing production to Korea in two years. Airbus bosses say no jobs will be lost at its Broughton factory following the move.
Cllr Wright said: “I think you see fluctuation. There are some firms getting rid of people and other firms looking to take people on.
“The overall picture with Airbus is positive but I would like to see them work hard to use as many local businesses as possible.”
Hundreds of jobs could be created at a new retail park after an application for a five-unit park on River Lane, Saltney was lodged.
Retailer Go Outdoors has already confirmed it will be taking over the former Morrisons store on the site.
Saltney councillor Klaus Armstrong-Braun said: “This is great news for Saltney. I am very pleased with the application for the non-food retail units on the site.
“It could provide up to 300 jobs.”
Cllr Wright said: “The Saltney retail project is exciting. It has been an up and coming area recently which is a great step forward..”
Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, said: “It is good news in what is otherwise a very challenging economic environment. We are seeing jobs being lost across the UK and in Flintshire.
“It is important we build on our successful businesses.”