WORK has begun on expanding part of BAE Systems’ factory at Samlesbury as it increases production of the F-35 Lightning military jet.

The company made the announcement as part of the Farnborough International Airshow, where the plane has been flying in front of thousands of visitors.

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The company is expanding its machining facility at the site in the form of a 5,000sq m extension to cope with an increase in production rates of the multirole combat jet.

The work consolidates jobs security for the 1,500 people employed at the site to deliver the programme.

Staff there recently produced the 250th F-35 fuselage set and the Samlesbury site also fabricates the vertical and horizontal tails for the aircraft in addition to developing key electronic systems such as the plane’s interceptor system and its management computers.

The project also benefits hundreds of suppliers, many of whom are based in East Lancashire.

The expansion is due to be complete by January 2017 and once finished the area will be capable of producing 160 aircraft sets per year.

That is an increase in capability of more than 150 per cent on current levels.

Already operational in the USA, the F-35 had its inaugural UK flight last week and has been thrilling spectators this week at the air show in Hampshire.

Cliff Robson, senior vice-president for the F-35 at BAE Systems, said: “This extension to our machining facility further demonstrates our readiness to meet the challenge of increased production rates on the world’s largest defence programme.

“By January 2017, we will also complete the significant expansion of our assembly line at Samlesbury. This investment is the next piece of the jigsaw.

“Our facilities are among the best in the world.

“Using the latest technology available and building on the key manufacturing experience we are able to play a key role on the this global programme in Samlesbury.”

John Evans, head of F-35 delivery, said: “Every part we produce not only benefits our own business, but also creates work for 500 supply chain companies involved in the programme.”

Machinery will be progressively installed at Samlesbury, alongside the existing 10,000sq m building, which has two flexible manufacturing lines which transform titanium blocks into aircraft components.