Carbon wings victory secures Airbus' future; BROUGHTON IS EQUAL TO EURO THREAT.

Byline: CARL BUTLER

WALES has won the "tug of war" against other European countries to make the new generation of Airbus wings, claimed First Minister Rhodri Morgan yesterday.

As the Welsh Assembly Government confirmed its pounds 28m grant for the new hi-tech production of composite wings at the Broughton factory, Mr Morgan said the decision to build the A350 wings in North Wales was "the end of a massive struggle" against competition from Germany, Spain and other European nations.

Mr Morgan, joined by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, was at Broughton yesterday to see work on the new North factory, which will be the centre for composite wing production.

Factory boss Brian Fleet said in the last 10 years the company had invested pounds 2bn in the Flintshire site, with two-thirds of the 6,000-plus workforce coming from Wales. The new factory will be ready towards the end of next year.

Mr Morgan said: "We have won the day and is why we have this amazing facility, which will serve us not just for the next couple of years but several decades."

The switch from metal to aircraft of composite materials will herald a greener industry said Mr Fleet. He added the investment in Broughton was not just in buildings and machinery but in developing the skills of its workforce.

One quarter of all engineering apprentices in Wales are employed at the Broughton site.

David Jones, 23, of Caernarfon, is a second year higher engineering apprentice who made a presentation to Mr Morgan. "This is good for our future, it's the start of something new and will bring new skills and a better future," he said.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said: "This is a very important day and the first step on the road to securing our future. The next crunch will be the replacement for the A320, the most crucial project coming in a number of years. This is about funding the skills to be there so we are in a strong position."

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said despite the economic climate the Assembly was investing in a future skills programme, which would keep 7,000-plus workers in guaranteed employment for the next 20 years.

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CAPTION(S):

Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Welsh Assembly Government receives a model of the A350 from Airbus UK apprentice David Jones, right and Brian Fleet, Senior Vice President, left Picture: STACEY ROBERTS