First Minister Carwyn Jones officially opens Raytheon’s new Hangar 119 at Hawarden Airport

Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones AM officially opened Raytheon’s new Hangar 119 at Hawarden Airport on Thursday.

Raytheon UK and the Welsh Government have invested £1 million in this new hangar where 145 employees are supporting the MOD’s flagship ISR programmes.

The new facility will foster the development of new, cutting edge capabilities and ensure that the company will continue to make a significant contribution to the local economy, for many years to come, Raytheon says.

“The new facility gives us tremendous potential and will enhance our economic impact in the region, where the company has contributed since 1993,” said Richard Daniel, Raytheon UK chief executive. “We have created around 50 jobs in Broughton over the past 18 months, and anticipate the need for a further 200 over the next three years depending on export opportunities”.

“I am pleased to formally open this impressive new facility which has been supported by Welsh Government funding,” said First Minister Carwyn Jones. “Raytheon’s expansion a

t Broughton will not only enable the company to diversify but will see new technologies and products developed in North Wales and exported worldwide. This investment is also important in supporting students and apprentices who are the engineers of the future to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities available.”

Raytheon UK is developing new Special Mission Aircraft mission systems at their Broughton Centre of Excellence and deep servicing hub.