OVER 500 new jobs could be created at North Wales' Airbus plant as a result of a £100m investment.
Airbus has announced plans to ramp up production at its wing-making plant in Broughton.
The plan to increase production of A320 planes was confirmed in the first quarter results for 2022.
READ MORE: Airbus employees to get £3,100 bonus after 'better-than-expected' financial results
Last month, workers at Airbus Broughton accepted an improved pay offer bringing a long-running dispute to a close.
Members of Unite had voted for industrial action in February but suspended planned strikes to consider an improved offer by Airbus.
The offer accepted by the workforce consists of an 8.6 per cent pay increase over 13 months in addition to a backdated 5.1 per cent lump sum payment. Workers will also have an additional day’s holiday in 2023 and in 2024.
Now, there is further good news for the site as a £100m investment has been announced by the firm.
The Airbus Board has decided to increase production of its single aisle commercial aircraft A320 range at Broughton to an unprecedented 75 single aisle aircraft per month by November 2025.
PIC: The Airbus site in Broughton.
Before the pandemic, 54 sets of wings for single aisle aircraft were produced each month.
To meet increased global demand, Airbus will create between 450 and 550 highly skilled manufacturing roles and invest an additional £100 million in additional production facilities by 2025.
The former A380 production facility at the Broughton West Factory will become a new single aisle production facility.
An Airbus spokesman added: "The planned production rate increase to 75 A320 Family aircraft per month in 2025, in close cooperation with our suppliers and partners, will benefit the entire global industrial value-chain.
"Airbus will meet the higher production rates by investing to increase capacity at its existing commercial aircraft assembly sites, including in the UK/Broughton, resulting in the creation of additional highly-skilled jobs and employment opportunities."
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami hailed the Airbus announcement as 'fantastic news for the area'.
He added: "It’s been a difficult period for the Broughton site, so this announcement could not be more welcome.
"I’m delighted that so many quality jobs are being created, as we certainly have a wealth of highly skilled workers in Flintshire. This investment also gives stability to the current workforce and to the many local companies involved in the supply chain.”
Meanwhile, Welsh Government Economy Minister Vaughan Gething added: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Wales. Airbus’ plans to increase wing production on Deeside will see a significant growth in the skilled workforce, alongside a huge investment from the company. This is a real vote of confidence in Wales and the talented workforce at Broughton.
“Airbus’ plans mean more made-in-Wales wings will fly on the very latest Airbus aircraft across the globe, sending a clear signal that Wales is a nation with a superb reputation for advanced manufacturing - which is only made possible thanks to our world class workforce.
“The Welsh Government will continue to work closely with Airbus to ensure we have the pipeline of skilled talent the company needs in order to grow its workforce in the years ahead.”
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