GMB Union has signed a landmark deal with Aeralis – the company set to build next generation of Red Arrows – to create 4,000 aerospace jobs.
An agreement was signed by Aeralis chairman Robin Southwell Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB, this week.
The company is committed to establishing a major industrial hub in Central Ayrshire, with plans to create more than 4,000 highly skilled jobs nationwide.
In Scotland, the programme is set to generate £600 million in annual exports, among top three in the country.
Aeralis is the front runner in the race to create the next generation of Red Arrows and is the only bidder offering a British designed and built aircraft.
Gary Smith, General Secretary of the GMB Union, said:
“Selecting Aeralis would represent a major moment for Scotland’s industrial future, bringing back complete aircraft production to Scotland for the first time in 25 years.
“GMB is committed to ensuring that workers in Central Ayrshire and beyond are at the heart of this exciting new chapter for UK aerospace.”
Robin Southwell, Chairman of Aeralis, said:
“The choice faced by the Government is clear; select a British designed and built aircraft offering long-term careers, skills development, and opportunities for future generations here in the UK, or to use public funds to import from abroad.
“This agreement between Aeralis and the GMB reflects our shared commitment to building a sustainable, high-value aerospace industry in Scotland.
“Overnight we will create, in partnership with GMB, one of the top three industrial enterprises in the region and by working closely together, we can ensure that the jobs we create will provide apprenticeships, well paid careers and new opportunities right here at home.”
