WARRINGTON South MP David Mowat has welcomed news that a £35 million government defence contract will help secure jobs in the town.
The contract, which is worth around £35 million over five years, has been awarded to Birchwood-based Amec Foster Wheeler to supply the Ministry of Defence with research and technology services as part of its Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme. It will sustain about 70 jobs at the company’s offices and laboratories in Warrington and Dorchester.
Welcoming the news Mr Mowat, said: “This is fantastic news for Warrington and its economy, securing high-quality jobs and demonstrating this government’s commitment to the region, ensuring a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.
“The North West now has the fastest growth in high skilled employment of any region in the UK, growing more than six per cent over the past year and I’m delighted that Warrington is part of this.”
Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin added: “Long-term investment in innovative research and technology like this is absolutely essential to ensuring Britain’s nuclear programme remains cutting-edge.
“Underpinned by the UK’s rising Defence budget and £178 billion ten-year equipment plan, this new deal will help protect Britain and secure scores of highly skilled jobs in Warrington and Dorset.”
Clive White, President of Amec Foster Wheeler Clean Energy, said: “We are valued for our technical expertise, comprehensive laboratory and analytical resources, strong relationships with academia, and best-in-class project and programme management. We are proud to serve this vital national programme, continuing the important work we have done for many years.”
“Amec Foster Wheeler has provided support to the NNPP for several decades this new contract secures that arrangement.”
The contract covers critical areas of capability such as materials performance, materials science, modelling, code development, thermal hydraulics and non-destructive testing and examination.
