13/05/2005

Around 1,700 new jobs set for Shorts

Around 1,700 new jobs could be created after leading aerospace firm Bombardier announced a £180 million investment programme for its Belfast base at Shorts.

The company said it had signed a Letter of Intent with the Government relating to the new "CSeries" family of aircraft which would see part of the aircraft built in Belfast.

Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace said: “This is a very significant milestone as we progress in our discussions with customers and risk-sharing partners before our Board considers a launch decision.

“The UK Government’s investment contribution as well as Bombardier’s long term commitment to Northern Ireland and our confidence in the skills of our workforce there, strongly influenced our choice of Belfast as the preferred location for these work packages.”

Michael Ryan, Vice President and General Manager, Belfast, added: “If the CSeries family of aircraft is launched, it would help the research and development of key technologies and capabilities over the next 15 to 20 years that would ensure our Belfast operation remains at the leading edge of aircraft design and manufacture.

“This contribution from the Government will help to create or sustain many hundreds of jobs not just in Northern Ireland but throughout our 800 company supply chain in U.K. and Ireland.”

Secretary of State Peter Hain said Bombardier’s announcement represented a significant opportunity for the continued development of the aerospace industry within Northern Ireland.

“Their [Bombardier’s] confidence in the Belfast plant is a testament to the skills and abilities of the local workforce and will ensure that Northern Ireland retains its position as a market leader in this important business sector,” Mr Hain said.

“The work packages we have secured for Bombardier in Belfast will see the company return to the highly specialised production of aircraft wings and will help cement the UK’s position as a centre of excellence for wing design and development.”

Government-sourced backing is set to comprise £150 million of repayable launch investment, of which Invest NI will contribute £25 million.

In addition, Invest NI will provide selective financial assistance of up to £30 million.

(MB/SP)

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