Burnley business leaders welcome aerospace 'supplier village' plan (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley business leaders welcome aerospace 'supplier village' plan

10:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in News

Gordon Birtwistle MP

BUSINESS leaders from across East Lancashire have welcomed a £1.4million government investment that will see the creation of a unique aerospace ‘supplier village’ in Burnley.

The scheme, which was rubber-stamped by the Regional Growth Fund yesterday, could create around 1,000 jobs according to Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle.

The cash boost will be used to create a dedicated Aerospace Supply Chain Logistics Park on the site of the old Michelin tyre factory in Heasandford.

Mr Birtwistle said the scale of the project was a ‘vote of confidence’ in the area.

He said: “Today’s announcement is another massive investment in new jobs for Burnley. It is a vote of confidence in our area and a well-deserved boost for all the people involved in securing this investment.

“Instead of concentrating on the city of London like the previous government did, Liberal Democrats in the coalition government are doing everything possible to make places like Burnley the economic powerhouses they deserve to be.

“This will help deliver another 1,000-plus advanced aerospace manufacturing jobs locally and within the aerospace supply chain, as well as making use of this site left derelict since Michelin left more than 15 years ago.”

The private sector-led bid was submitted by Aircelle Ltd, and developed in partnership with Burnley Council.

Aircelle’s managing director Alan Hood said: “This is fantastic news for Aircelle and for Burnley.

“We have already had a number of businesses express a strong interest in moving onto the park, in order to benefit from the increased capacity and capability, and seize the opportunity of the increase in demand for their services from the growing market in civil aviation and the emerging economies.”

Burnley Council Leader, Julie Cooper said: “I’m delighted the bid has been successful, which will see further investment in Burnley.

“This project represents the very best in public/private partnerships. Aircelle have led a very innovative bid, working alongside Burnley Council with support from the Homes and Communities Agency, the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire."

Burnley Council’s chief executive Steve Rumbelow said: “Burnley’s strength in advanced manufacturing is a real asset and we are capitalising on this to ensure Burnley punches about its weight.”

Earlier this year £1million was set aside for Michelin under an earlier RGF round.