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Airbus plant expects cash boost Airbus plant expects cash boost
(40 minutes later)
An announcement of a major investment centred on the Airbus factory in Flintshire is expected later.An announcement of a major investment centred on the Airbus factory in Flintshire is expected later.
Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling, First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the chief executive of Airbus are visiting the Broughton plant.Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling, First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the chief executive of Airbus are visiting the Broughton plant.
As much as £30m could be pledged by Airbus and the UK government, to be spent on aircraft wing research.As much as £30m could be pledged by Airbus and the UK government, to be spent on aircraft wing research.
The factory employs about 7,000 people making wings, including for the world's largest airliner, the A380.The factory employs about 7,000 people making wings, including for the world's largest airliner, the A380.
The research programme will be led by the Broughton plant but will involve other technology companies across the UK.The research programme will be led by the Broughton plant but will involve other technology companies across the UK.
The UK government said it was a "core element" of the UK's aerospace technology strategy and could lead to a "step change" in future civil aircraft wing design.The UK government said it was a "core element" of the UK's aerospace technology strategy and could lead to a "step change" in future civil aircraft wing design.
Recruitment freeze We can't fight technology, we have to embrace it Broughton works convenor Robert Dowey
The announcement comes at a time when workers' confidence over their future at the plant is low.The announcement comes at a time when workers' confidence over their future at the plant is low.
Airbus's parent company EADS also plans to outsource half the work on its latest plane, the A350.Airbus's parent company EADS also plans to outsource half the work on its latest plane, the A350.
And there are indications Airbus could start manufacturing in China and India.And there are indications Airbus could start manufacturing in China and India.
However, union leaders are hoping for no more than a freeze on recruitment at Broughton.However, union leaders are hoping for no more than a freeze on recruitment at Broughton.
Works' convenor at the Broughton plant Robert Dowey welcomed the investment news.
He said: "We can't fight technology, we have to embrace it and make sure that we can control which part of it we can to ensure at least it's done in the UK."
Globalisation meant that the factory could not remain the sole supplier of wings for Airbus, Mr Dowey added.
"We wish we could ...but unfortunately that's not within our remit.
"All we can do is make sure we're the most cost effective and the absolute world class wing producer in the UK which is what we try to emulate."
The announcement at the factory is expected at about 1100 GMT.The announcement at the factory is expected at about 1100 GMT.