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£34m 'green' research at Airbus £34m 'green' research at Airbus
(10 minutes later)
A £34m investment aimed at developing greener aircraft has been confirmed for the Airbus factory in Flintshire A £34m investment aimed at developing greener aircraft has been confirmed for the Airbus factory in Flintshire.
The UK government will provide £17m towards the Integrated Wing programme at the plant in Broughton.The UK government will provide £17m towards the Integrated Wing programme at the plant in Broughton.
Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling, First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the chief executive of Airbus Louis Gallois are visiting the plant.Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling, First Minister Rhodri Morgan and the chief executive of Airbus Louis Gallois are visiting the plant.
Mr Darling said the research project meant Britain was "leading the drive for greener aerospace technology".Mr Darling said the research project meant Britain was "leading the drive for greener aerospace technology".
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.
Mr Darling explained why the UK government was backing the project, calling British excellence in aerospace design, development and delivery "world renowned".Mr Darling explained why the UK government was backing the project, calling British excellence in aerospace design, development and delivery "world renowned".
We can't fight technology, we have to embrace it Broughton works convenor Robert DoweyWe can't fight technology, we have to embrace it Broughton works convenor Robert Dowey
He said: "This project looks to the future of aircraft design and brings together our best from the drawing board to the factory floor.He said: "This project looks to the future of aircraft design and brings together our best from the drawing board to the factory floor.
"By being smart and working as one - from wings to landing gear, fuel systems to electronics - we can lead."By being smart and working as one - from wings to landing gear, fuel systems to electronics - we can lead.
"Innovation and creativity like this are crucial if we are to win in the global economy.""Innovation and creativity like this are crucial if we are to win in the global economy."
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.
The announcement comes after recent knocks to workers' confidence over their future at the plant.The announcement comes after recent knocks to workers' confidence over their future at the plant.
Sole supplierSole supplier
Airbus's parent company EADS plans to outsource half the work on its latest plane, the A350.Airbus's parent company EADS 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.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."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.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."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.""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."