Prime Minister David Cameron visited the Airbus site at Filton on Monday (23rd April), accompanied by local MP Jack Lopresti.
Mr Lopresti and the Prime Minister met with Airbus senior managers to discuss the firm’s future business plans and were then treated to a tour of the factory that assembles the A400M military aircraft wings. The pair then had a chance to chat with Filton-based apprentices.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Lopresti said:
“I was delighted that the Prime Minister took the time to come and see the excellent work that is done by Airbus in Filton. We couldn’t be prouder of Airbus locally and I know that the PM is very proud of what Airbus is doing for UK manufacturing and exports.”
“This Government is fully behind Airbus – last week the PM helped sign the Airbus deal in Indonesia and it was this Government that ordered 22 of the A400M aircraft following the Strategic Defence and Security Review.”
At Filton, over 4,500 people are employed in the design office and in business support roles such as procurement, finance and customer service. Core activities at Filton include the design, engineering and support for Airbus wings, fuel systems and landing gear integration. Teams also work on systems, structures, and aerodynamics research, development and test facilities.
More than 2,000 engineers at Filton are involved in a range of areas, including wing integration, flight physics, structures and systems. Filton also is responsible for wing assembly and equipping for the A400M multi-role airlifter and is home to a Composites Structures Development Centre.
Airbus’ presence in Filton will be enhanced with the construction of a new aerospace business park, which is to consolidate the site’s engineering, design, customer support and other employees into one highly-efficient office block.
Mr Cameron was in Bristol to voice his support for a yes vote in next week’s referendum on whether the city should have an elected Mayor.
Read more: Bristol needs a mayor, says David Cameron (The Post)