Prestwick secures aerospace jobs

Jack McConnell visited Goodrich's San Diego plant

A major US aerospace company has announced the creation of 285 jobs at Prestwick in Ayrshire.

Goodrich said it would increase the number of staff at its repair facility at Ayrshire Aerospace Park.

The announcement coincides with the first minister's visit to the US and a meeting with senior staff at the company's Californian facility.

Jack McConnell said the move showed that major global companies saw Scotland as a good place for business.

The company said the jobs would almost double its staff at its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Prestwick and allow it to offer complete support to its airline customers.

Their decision is great news for Ayrshire and a real tribute to the skills of the current staff Jack McConnell First Minister

The site will also be extended from 120,000 sq ft to 250,000 sq ft.

The latest expansion has been backed with £1.8m from the Scottish Executive under the Regional Selective Assistance scheme.

Steve Callan, managing director at Prestwick, said: "This additional investment further emphasizes Goodrich's commitment to providing complete MRO solutions to the airline industry and its confidence in the available skill base in Prestwick to support the growth."

Mr McConnell said: "I know from speaking to senior management here in San Diego that Goodrich really value the skills of their Scottish workforce.

"Their decision is great news for Ayrshire and a real tribute to the skills of the current staff.

"It demonstrates that major global companies see Scotland as a good place to do business and are willing to invest for the long-term."

'Huge asset'

John Scott, Conservative MSP for Ayr, said: "The increase in capacity and workforce at Goodrich is further evidence of what a huge asset the aerospace campus based around Prestwick Airport is to the Ayrshire economy."

Brian Donohoe, Labour MP for Central Ayrshire, said: "I know this has been discussed for some time but I am thrilled to see that this has now been confirmed.

"It is fantastic news for the company, for its hard-working and highly-skilled staff, and also for the economy of Ayrshire."

The first minister's US visit is focussed on business - particularly life science - and education.