Deputy Prime Minister in Yeovil

THE Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory to find out more about the latest work happening at the helicopter manufacturer. Deputy Prime Minister in Yeovil

Mr Clegg was joined by Yeovil MP David Laws for the visit on Friday which saw them briefed on the company's activities including new commercial rotorcraft projects that have been selected to be supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: “This Government money is not just a massive boost to AgustaWestland, but to Yeovil and Somerset as a whole.

"I’m delighted to visit AgustaWestland and to see the start of development work that’s getting the go ahead as a result of the government and private sector working hand in hand.

“The Regional Growth Fund is a major financial stimulus for growth in towns and cities across England, creating jobs that will last in the parts of the country that need it most.”

During his visit he met a number of employees and apprentices who are working on new commercial helicopter programmes at Yeovil which are part of AgustaWestland’s strategy to diversify its UK business.

The Deputy Prime Minister was also shown and briefed on the new generation AW189 commercial helicopter by Ray Edwards, AgustaWestland’s UK Managing Director. Yeovil is playing an important role in the development of the AW189 helicopter which will achieve civil certification in mid-2013.

AgustaWestland chairman Graham Cole said: “I’m delighted the Deputy Prime Minister was able to take time to visit our factory in Yeovil and to see the advanced rotorcraft design, development and manufacturing capabilities we have here.

“He was keen to learn about the support being provided by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and our own £100 million investment, which is allowing us to diversify into the commercial helicopter business.”

The rotorcraft industry is a vital element of the UK’s hi-tech industrial base and makes a major contribution to the UK economy with 2011 revenues of more than £1.1bn and an order book of more than £3bn.

PHOTO: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg meets with workers during his visit to AgustaWestland in Yeovil on Friday.

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