Aviation jobs are saved

Oct 30 2009

HUNDREDS of jobs have been saved in Prestwick.

Almost £10 million will be pumped into developing two of the town’s aviation factories, Spirit Aerosytems and Slingsby.

First Minister Alex Salmond visited the sites on Wednesday to announce the Scottish Government investment.

Slingsby manufacture composite products for aircraft and defence industries, while Spirit specialise in wing parts for aircraft like the Airbus A380.

And Spirit, who employ 850 people at Prestwick, have now opened a new research and development facility.

Their communications chief Conrad King revealed: “We’re committed to having highly skilled posts as an integral part of what we do at Prestwick.

“The aim of the facility is to make sure jobs remain here for years to come.”

Mr Salmond added: “I am delighted that Slingsby and Spirit have demonstrated their confidence in Scotland’s economy, and the skills and experience of the local workforce, with their plans for significant investment in the Ayrshire area.”