Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence, visited MBDA in Lostock to see the work on producing missiles critical to our national defence. With the Middle East and North Africa becoming increasingly unstable, I am proud that one of the key defence equipment manufacturers has such an important local base.
MBDA are one of three missile manufacturers in its market and competes with the American giants of Raytheon and Lockheed. Having this world class facility is already a great asset for Bolton and MBDA’s move, next year, to the Logistics North site at Cutacre is a huge commitment to the area for decades to come. This guarantees that we retain the most advanced industry and all the skills, training and apprenticeships that go with it.
Michael Fallon particularly appreciated MBDA’s investment in apprenticeships. Businesses are increasingly recognising the value of apprenticeships and are investing in their own in-house training or collaborating with organisations such as the Horwich based Alliance Learning.
With the great work of companies such as MBDA, the investment in skills and infrastructure being delivered as part of the Conservative long term economic plan and more to come with the Northern Powerhouse, we have much to look forward to.