Member Article

BAE to axe 400 North East jobs

BAE Systems are set to cut almost 400 jobs in the North East, and will close its Newcastle factory where tanks have been made since World War One.

The firm made the decision following major efficiency improvements and reductions in orders required by the Ministry of Defence.

REACTING to news that BAE Systems is to cut over 400 jobs in the North East, North East Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “The North East has produced some of the finest armoured vehicles of any manufacturer across the world and it is incredibly disappointing that this proud history looks like it could end next year with the proposed closure of the BAE plant in Newcastle.

“Our sympathies lie with the highly-skilled workforce of both the Newcastle and Washington plants impacted by the announcement, but their knowledge and experience will be much sought after by the robust engineering and manufacturing sector across the North East.

The efficiency improvements stem from a £200 million 5 year transformation programme launched following a 15 year partnering agreement signed by the MOD in 2008.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .