Press release

Chief Secretary hails success of Burnley manufacturers

Danny Alexander visits Burnley manufacturing companies to highlight the importance of the industry in returning balance to the UK economy.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Danny Alexander today visited two Burnley manufacturing companies to highlight the importance of the manufacturing industry in returning balance to the UK economy.

The Chief Secretary met workers at Aircelle Ltd and AMS Neve, both based in Burnley, to learn about their innovative work. Although in different areas, both companies excel in their sectors. Aircelle Ltd specialises in aircraft equipment and is the global leader in the manufacture of engine casings and components, whilst AMS Neve manufactures award-winning professional audio products.

Visiting Burnley today the Chief Secretary, Danny Alexander said:

The success of the businesses I’ve seen today shows just that Burnley’s strong manufacturing tradition is alive and well. Nearly 20 per cent of Burnley’s workforce works in manufacturing and it’s clear that companies such as Aircelle Ltd and AMS Neve will play a key role in bringing balance back to the economy.

Returning the UK to sustainable economic growth is the Government’s overriding priority. By dealing with the deficit and creating the conditions for growth the Government can support manufacturing companies such as these in driving the private sector-led recovery.

Notes for editors

  1. In 2008 (the most recent year for which data is available), 18.7 per cent of Burnley’s employee jobs were in manufacturing, compared to a national average of 10.2 per cent (Office for National Statistics).

  2. Recent surveys have indicated robust growth in manufacturing in Q4 2010 and the preliminary estimate of Q4 GDP also showed a 1.4 per cent increase in manufacturing output over the weather-affected quarter.

  3. In January the overall Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Purchasing Manangers’ Index (PMI) reading for UK manufacturing reached a record high at 62, with new orders and employment also expanding at record rates.

  4. Aircelle Ltd is the UK operation of Aircelle, a subsidiary of the Safran high technology group that has activities in aerospace, defence and security. Aircelle is a part of Safran’s aircraft equipment branch, and is a global leader in the manufacture of engine nacelles and components. Its products are used on aircraft that range from private business jets to the new A380 double-deck airliner. As part of an extension in 2008, Aircelle Ltd’s Burnley plant has grown to nearly 50,000 sq. metres. The nacelles and components that are designed, engineered and manufactured at the Burnley production facility are key elements of a jet engine propulsion system. They are crucial to the safety of flight, and contribute to the efficient, environmentally friendly operation of some of the world’s leading airliners, regional aircraft and business jets.

  5. Further information regarding Aircelle can be found on the Aircelle website (opens in new browser window).

  6. AMS Neve manufactures professional audio products from its headquarters in Burnley. It has built a leading presence in the ultra high-end feature film scoring and mixing environments, the post-production and broadcast industries as well as in professional and project music studios worldwide. The company’s achievements have been recognised over the years by the industry’s most prestigious awards including an Emmy, a Grammy and two Academy Awards.

  7. Further information regarding AMS Neve can be found on the AMS Neve website (opens in new bowser window).

Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558 or by e-mail to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk

Media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Press Office on 020 7270 5238.

Published 18 February 2011