Raytheon UK hosts MoD suppliers forum
Stuart Andrew MP, UK Government Minister for Defence Procurement and Kevin Foster MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, participated in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Suppliers Forum for SMEs, held at Raytheons Broughton site today.
Courtesy Raytheon
The Forum aims to support ongoing dialogue between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and industry suppliers, who play a vital role in sustaining the UK defence supply chain. Over 20 suppliers attended the event.
Two of Raytheon’s own SME suppliers – Tarvin Precision and Aerocare Aviation Services – were recognised with an award to mark their own contributions to the defence supply chain in Wales. This comes as Raytheon has increased spend with Welsh SME suppliers 17 fold since 2012.
The Forum discussed the role of SMEs in Wales, their contribution to the North Wales Growth Deal, and the important role of the defence sector to this deal, as well as the progress of the Ministry of Defence’s SME Action Plan for Welsh SMEs.
Richard Daniel, Chief Executive, Raytheon UK, said: “We were delighted to host the MOD’s Defence Suppliers Forum for SME businesses in Wales today and to play our part in recognising the vital role that SMEs play in Wales. At Raytheon, we are committed to investing in Wales, working with local companies to support local communities across the supply chain’’.
Defence Minister, Stuart Andrew said: “Welsh industry supports vital Defence equipment programmes including Raytheon’s work on the RAF Shadow intelligence aircraft, General Dynamics producing the Army’s new Ajax vehicles and DECA Sealand supporting the F-35 aircraft programme worldwide. Today’s event highlights how the members of the Defence Suppliers Forum in Wales ensure that our Armed Forces get the equipment they need and spread the benefits of MOD investment throughout all four corners of the UK.”
UK Government Minister for Wales, Kevin Foster said: “The Ministry of Defence invests a total of £960 million each year in Welsh industry through established partnerships with companies such as Raytheon. These support 6,300 highly-skilled jobs and cement the reputation of north-east Wales as a global leader in security and innovation.”
Courtesy Raytheon
Ahead of the Forum, the Ministers toured the Broughton site, a defence hub for capability in the field of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). The event follows the announcement earlier this year that Raytheon UK signed a £250 million contract with the MoD to provide 11 years of support and sustainment services to the Royal Air Force’s Shadow aircraft fleet in Broughton, a critical ISR asset for the UK.
Raytheon UK has been part of the local community in Broughton for decades and currently employs over 200 highly skilled workers at the site and a further 100 aircraft engineers and instructors at RAF Waddington for aircraft integration, modification and training services.
With facilities in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester and Manchester, Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology. Across the country the company employs 1,700 people and supports 9,000 jobs. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and other government departments, Raytheon continues to invest in research and development, supporting innovation and technological advances across the country. In 2018, Raytheon generated more than £554 million in sales in the UK.