The new Airbus factory is one of the largest manufacturing facilities to be built in the UK in recent years. It will eventually employ 650 people.

The Broughton North Factory assembly line is dedicated to assembling the 31 m long wings for all members of the A350 XWB aircraft family which is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2013. The A350 XWB structure is 53% composite-based, including major elements such as wings and fuselage.

Currently employing 6000 people, the 700 acre Airbus site at Broughton specialises in wing production. Over £1.8 billion has been invested into the site in the past decade to ensure it is one of the most modern manufacturing facilities of its type anywhere in the world.

“The Airbus North Factory, a truly world-leading aircraft wing assembly plant, is a major pillar in the Airbus global setup," said Airbus Chief Executive, Tom Enders.

"The opening today marks an important milestone for our A350 programme as we move towards the start of the aircraft final assembly. This new facility and all the teams working on building our A350’s carbon-fibre wings will play a vital role in delivering this new generation aircraft.”

UK aerospace jobs

The A350 XWB programme will support over 1200 jobs in the Airbus sites at Filton, Bristol, England, and Broughton, Wales, and over 5000 other high skill/high value jobs across the UK supply chain. Over £3 billion has been invested in the aircraft and its engines by UK aerospace companies in the programme.

“The Government is committed to building a more balanced economy with stronger manufacturing, exports and private investment, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK," UK Prime Minister David Cameron said.

"I welcome the opening of Airbus's new state of the art facility which will contribute to this and support our programme to create sustainable economic growth. Airbus's investment here also underlines its confidence in the expertise of its British workforce and in the UK's manufacturing base.”

Airbus in the UK and its supply chain provide supplies and services worth nearly £1.5 billion annually to the UK economy. 10 000 people work for Airbus in the UK with 100 000 UK jobs supported through its wider supply chain.