Raytheon boss says company could create 200 new jobs at Broughton

Raytheon UK opened the doors to its new Hangar 119 at Hawarden Airport today – a facility which “will foster the development of new, cutting edge capabilities for the British aerospace and defence sectors” the company says.

The US defence giant employs 145 highly skilled aircraft specialists at the Broughton site and its airborne operations support a further 500 jobs across Wales.

Richard Daniel, Raytheon UK chief executive anticipates the need for a further 200 jobs at Broughton over the next three years depending on export opportunities.

The site specialises in servicing and modification for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, including the Sentinel R1, the UK’s most advanced manned surveillance aircraft, delivered by the Broughton team to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

Raytheon’s continued investment in North Wales is yet another strong endorsement of the confidence the company has in the skills-base and the business environment in Wales, and is further proof that this country is very much open for business.

British products and services and – by extension – products and services produced in North Wales are in high demand. As a nation that is part of a strong United Kingdom, our global profile has never been higher.

Through the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy we plan to build on our strengths in these fields, to make Wales one of the most competitive areas in the UK to start and grow a business.

Richard Daniel, Raytheon UK chief executive said:

Our new facility in North Wales gives us tremendous potential and will enhance our economic impact in the region, where the company has contributed since 1993. 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.

Great to see @fmwales officially open @Raytheon new Hangar 119 pic.twitter.com/QTjxqQjHmU

— ADS Group (@ADSgroupUK) 30 March 2017

The news that a possible 200 jobs could be created at the Broughton site comes on the back of devastating news yesterday that Marshall Aerospace is set to close with the loss of 126 jobs.

Local politicians speak out over Marshall Aerospace closure of its Broughton site with possible loss of 126 staff