BAE Systems announced yesterday that it is to close its Bridgwater site and end manufacturing operations at
BAE Systems says it made its decision following a review of the cost base and industrial footprint of its Land Systems Munitions business.
According to a statement, the Bridgwater site was established to manufacture explosives at a far greater annual tonnage than that required to meet the current business plan.
The low throughput, high fixed costs and high levels of investment required to sustain this plant have resulted in the operation no longer being economically viable.
As a consequence BAE Systems will be closing the Bridgwater facility by the end of 2007, resulting in the loss of approximately 130 jobs.
The BAE Systems Chorley site employs 200 people, of which 70 are involved in manufacturing operations. The other 130 employees are engaged in a variety of engineering and support roles. Manufacturing at the site will cease by the end of 2006, incurring approximately 70 job losses.
Babcock marks next stage in submarine dismantling project
Surely on a national security project all contractors ought to be UK owned? This is similar to the life enhancement of our nuclear stations which has...