The investment by the MoD will affect Rolls-Royce’s submarine propulsion factory in Raynesway (Derby, England), helping to secure 300 jobs at the plant and provide the funds for a decade long factory refurbishment. The plant overhaul will involve upgrading the facility with the latest technology, machinery and manufacturing techniques.
The 300 direct jobs secured will also be supplemented by additional positions throughout the supply chain, both prior to, and following the manufacturing of the reactor cores. As well as the planned refurbishment of the existing Raynesway factory, the investment will also go towards building an advanced manufacturing facility to better support future MoD requirements.
+ MORE MANUFACTURING DIGITAL
- Vauxhall, England's sponsor, vetoes Euro 2012 matches
- UK manufacturing drops, but China experiences growth
- 'Half a billion litres' of petrol could be saved globally
Rolls Royce’s Chief Operating Officer and Submarines Unit President, Jason Smith, commented on the news:
“This is excellent news that demonstrates the high level of trust the Ministry of Defence has in both our technology and the expertise of our highly skilled workforce. The new facility will deploy advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance our world leading nuclear manufacturing capability.”
Defence Secretary, Phillip Hammond, said:
“Having balanced the MoD’s books we can now invest in vital strategic capabilities to meet the present and future defence needs of the UK. This contract will secure hundreds of highly skilled jobs for UK industry, while retaining our sovereign nuclear capability.”
Hammond concluded:
“The Raynesway site has played a key part in the production and maintenance of our nuclear deterrent for more than 50 years. This regeneration will make sure it continues to do so for many years to come.”
Our magazine is now available on the iPad. Click here to download it
