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Gateshead back BAE investment

Last week’s announcement that BAE Systems is to invest £28m in a new manufacturing plant in Birtley has been welcomed by Gateshead Council.

The news came as part of a deal with the MOD worth up to £3bn, and will see the demolition of the existing factory, which dates from the First World War, and the creation of a brand new manufacturing facility on the same site.

Applauding the announcement, the Leader of Gateshead Council, Cllr Mick Henry, said: “This is great news for Gateshead. “BAE Systems provide large numbers of skilled jobs for local people and this fresh investment will offer considerable reassurance to a great many local people.

“The company is one of the cornerstones of our local economy, and we are delighted that they are investing in what appears to be an increasingly secure future.”

He said: “Gateshead has had a close association with BAE Systems and its predecessors since the First World War, and the company has been an important part of the local economy for a considerable period of time.”

The new facility will manufacture munitions including mortar bombs, tank, artillery and naval gun shells, but not weapons such as guided missiles.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .