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The North-west economy benefits from £2.5 billion a year in spending by UK defence in the region, supporting more than 16,000 jobs.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently spends more than £2.5 billion a year with defence sector businesses in the region. In Stockport, manufacturer WFEL is currently delivering a major contract to supply armoured vehicles to the Armed Forces, while Thales UK in Cheadle has recently worked with the Royal Navy and French military on autonomous mine-hunter technologies.
The figures come as Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, visited defence suppliers in the North-west that are manufacturing parts for weaponry being supplied to Ukraine, including Greater Manchester-based MBDA. The UK has donated weaponry, ammunition, and supported training efforts for the country’s armed forces to aid in Ukraine’s defence against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“People remain at the heart of UK defence and today I had the privilege to meet staff who play such a crucial role in ensuring our nation’s security and supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
“We will continue to invest in defence and skills across the north-west, supporting jobs and communities across the region.”
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK in Bolton said:
“We are very proud of our 90-year history of defence manufacturing in the north-west in support of the MOD and key British allies.
“To support the growing workforce of over 1,100 at our Bolton site we are undertaking a multi-million-pound investment that will double our manufacturing footprint and we are continuing to recruit in order to support the MoD in their critical role.”