West Midlands Regional Minister Ian Austin today visited
Goodrich Corporation's Actuation Systems facility in Wolverhampton
to review the status of Goodrich's investment in a new plant to
support the production ramp-up for the F-35 Lightning II fighter
aircraft.
Goodrich were awarded a £1.9million grant from Advantage
West Midlands, one of the largest the Agency has awarded to date.
The funds have been used to upgrade the facility and equipment at
Stafford Road and support the high tech advanced manufacturing work
required for the F-35. The Minister viewed the production areas and
talked to managers and members of the 700 strong workforce.
The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth
fighter and the facility manufactures the weapons bay door drive
system that allows weapons to held in the aircraft's internal bay
while maintaining the F-35's stealthy signature. The plant is also
involved in the production of landing gear, the air data system,
engine and fuel quantity sensors, and unique short take off and
vertical landing engine and airframe components.
Ian Austin said, "The Black Country has a fine tradition of
engineering excellence and expertise in the aerospace industry and
so it's only natural that Wolverhampton plays a key role in the
production of the F-35."
"I am also delighted that Advantage West Midlands are supporting
Goodrich to help them prosper in the region and boosting the very
manufacturing skills that we are rightly famous for. These are just
the kinds of high tech, high skilled jobs that we want to see more
of in the region."