Boeing set to double UK workforce in next 10 years

Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing are set to double their amount of employees in the United Kingdom after the winning of two important defence contracts in the region.

The growth will take place over the next 10 years, going from a workforce of 2,000 to 4,000 during that time.

The company have been boosted by the awarding of two significant Ministry of Defence contracts - for a £1.5bn order of Poseidon P8 maritime surveillance aircraft, and an additional £2.25bn for 50 Apache helicopters.

Boeing have faced criticism over their lack of manufacturing facilities in the UK, as well as beating British companies BAE Systems and AgustaWestland to further defence contracts.

Speaking to The Times, David Pitchforth, head of Boeing Defence UK, spoke about the expansion.

“You are seeing the transformation from a US-centric company to becoming what we are in the UK, a company focused on the UK,” says Mr Pitchforth.

Vast uncertainty has surrounded business in Britain following the aftermath of the country's vote to leave the European Union and ensuing political crisis. Many businesses have pledged to take jobs out of the UK, but many believe that it will be prosperous for those with strong UK-US ties.

With the Farnborough International Airshow taking place this week, aerospace news will be coming thick and fast, and David Cameron has affirmed his belief that Ministry of Defence spending on aerospace is a sign that business news is not all doom and gloom.

“Whatever uncertainties our country faces, I want the message to go out loud and clear: the UK will continue to lead the world in both civil and defence aerospace. We aren’t just open for investment; we are a place the global aerospace industry wants to do business – as Boeing’s long-term partnership with the UK proves, " Cameron said.