Major 'shot in the arm' for Yeovil economy

COUNCIL bosses have described last week's news about Yeovil-based AgustaWestland gaining a £46m investment from the Government as a 'major shot inthe arm' for the local economy.

The Government award has been matched by a further £54m investment by Finmeccanica,  AgustaWestland Italian parent company.

A statement from South Somerset District Council said: ''The announcement is a major shot in the arm to the economy of Yeovil and South Somerset affecting the future of the region’s major employer and all the many independent local companies and businesses that work in support of AgustaWestland.

''Heading towards its 100th birthday in Yeovil, the company has supplied military aircraft and helicopters to UK forces throughout that period and latterly has increased its share of the foreign market.

''Through its parent company, AgustaWestland has seriously moved into the civil market and is now developing and producing a family of next generation aircraft in the shape of the AW139, AW169 and AW 189.

''Not only will the award further develop these aircraft it will also finance work on the AW609 tilt rotor aircraft. Now exporting up to 30 helicopters a year and with advanced pilot training facilities on site the company is going from success to success.''

Council leader, Cllr Ric Pallister, added: “This announcement makes me enormously proud of the company that sits at the very centre of our local economy.

''AgustaWestland has managed not only to secure the future of its own workforce but that of many other South Somerset businesses through this award.  It means that the company will remain at the cutting edge of helicopter technology in the highly competitive aerospace industry.

''The announcement is a major coup for our future economy and sends a very powerful message about confidence in South Somerset’s business sector in a time of recession.  This is fantastic news and I congratulate everyone who has worked to achieve such a major investment.”

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