Multi-million pound contracts will boost all of South Somerset

COUNCIL chiefs have said that the whole of South Somerset will benefit as a result of Yeovil-based AgustaWestland receiving contracts last week worth nearly £800-million.

The announcement that AgustaWestland has been awarded two contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence valued at £760 million will help the economic confidence in South Somerset grow.

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has been awarded contracts to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme and to provide the Apache AH Mk.1 Attack Helicopter fleet with comprehensive support and maintenance services for five years.

The awarded contracts will help sustain approximately 175 highly skilled jobs at AgustaWesland and more than 500 jobs in the supply chain, including many small and medium sized enterprises.

South Somerset District Council leader, Cllr Ric Pallister, said: “This order and the Norwegian deal announced before Christmas are hugely significant and vitally important for AugustaWestland as a company.

“However, it goes well beyond that for the people of South Somerset and the employment catchment area for the company and those businesses in the supply chain - be that accountants or local engineering companies.”

Cllr Pallister added: “These orders provide security of employment and continuity for so many businesses across the district and that breeds confidence and success.

“Confidence to take out a first mortgage, confidence to move house, confidence to build that extension, confidence to expand a business or just the ability to take a much needed holiday. This confidence will help the local economy and everyone benefits.”

A £1-billion pound deal to build new helicopters for the Norwegian Government at AgustaWestland in Yeovil which will safeguard 3,000 jobs was also announced in late December.

Tags:
News.