UK to remain Airbus’s centre for wing technology

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 13 Mar 2007 9:25

AEROSPACE: Company reorganisation will mean the loss of 1600 jobs in the UK

European plane maker, Airbus, has announced plans to restructure the company in the wake of losses brought about by delays to the A380 super jumbo. Although 1600 British jobs will be lost, the company has confirmed that the centre of excellence for wing technology will remain in the UK in the long-term.

The financial difficulties caused by the A380 have been compounded by weakness in the dollar which has led to a 20 per cent loss of competitiveness, together with the large investments needed for current and future programmes.

The reorganisation will create four trans-national centres of excellence. The wing and pylon centre will be based in the UK. The Broughton manufacturing site in north Wales has been confirmed as a core Airbus site, and will therefore receive ongoing investment. However, the manufacturing element at Filton has not been given the same priority, and negotiations for its future are in progress. The design centre is, however, not affected.

Over the next four years 1600 jobs are to be cut in the UK, and the company hopes to achieve this by voluntary means.

Company improvements will include: faster development of new aircraft; the deployment of consistent lean production principles across all plants; reshaping and consolidation of the supply base; and tighter control over cash in all operations.

“None of these changes will be easy,” said Airbus CEO, Louis Gallois, “but they are essential to securing the future of Airbus.”

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