AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of further significant investments in the aerospace industry. A joint Government and industry research and technology investment valued at over 2 billion pound in the next seven years has been announced through the Aerospace Growth Parthership (AGP) involving a number of aerospace companies. An official ceremony was held by UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the Airbus factory in Filton today, also attended by four AgustaWestland apprentices.

Following the UK Government’s announcement Graham Cole, Chairman at AgustaWestland Ltd, said “Today’s announcement of Government support for the UK aerospace sector is a boost for our advanced manufacturing sector. The UK is a world leader in rotary wing technologies, and we remain committed to strengthening the UK’s industrial and technology advantage in rotary wing engineering as we seek to expand and strengthen our civil helicopter capability.”

This further investment will ensure the UK carries on playing a leading role in the aerospace sector exploiting new opportunities in an increasingly competitive world scenario also in the future, securing high value jobs in aerospace and its supply chain. With innovation being a key differentiator for rotary wing competitiveness, AgustaWestland is set to provide a major contribution to this latest joint initiative with the UK Government.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) brings industry and Government together to tackle barriers to growth, boost exports and grow the number of high value jobs in the UK. The AGP is jointly chaired by Michael Fallon, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and Marcus Bryson, CEO of GKN Aerospace & Land Systems and Vice President of ADS.