MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE
LOCATIONS
10 Jul 08. His Royal Highness The Duke of York today launched a major, £35M expansion to the flagship centre in South Wales for the aerospace and defence giant EADS. This will lead to the creation of 100 highly-skilled jobs and significant benefit to the local economy. The centre, at Newport’s Celtic Springs Business Park, is the UK headquarters of EADS Defence & Security Systems Ltd (EADS DS). It consolidates the company’s long presence in South Wales, now employing over 1000 high-calibre people creating the next-generation technology solutions, principally in the areas of secure IT, communications and cryptology. HRH The Duke of York KG, the UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment discussed how advanced communications like those he had seen at EADS could be a major benefit to international business. His Royal Highness said that the UK is a prime investment location, and that companies in South Wales, such as EADS, Sony, Spectrum, and The Intellectual Property office highlight the region’s growth and commitment to innovation and a knowledge-led economy. First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan said, “EADS is an excellent example of a world class technology-based company choosing to invest in Wales. It makes a valuable contribution to the economy and is a flagship for science and engineering excellence, with an export base and supply chain that confirms the nation’s reputation for high-tech innovation and expertise.” Len Tyler, CEO, EADS Defence & Security Systems Ltd. said, “With the support of the Welsh Assembly Government, we have grown to over 1000 people. The new buildings reflect the transformation of our business, and will allow us to continue to expand through our information assurance strategy and to take full advantage of new opportunities on a global scale. Nationally, EADS DS is leading the consortium for the Communities and Local Government’s £350M FiReControl project. The technology solution will provide England’s Fire and Rescue Service with a resilient common national response capability for the first time enabling greater protection to fire-fighters and the public.”
03 Jul 08. A British Royal Air Force (RAF) base consolidation program will likely see Typhoon operations restricted to two main operating sites, with the option of a third location now under review. The RAF could see three main operating bases closing over the coming two decades as the Harrier GR9 and Tornado GR4 reach the end of their service lives. The future of Cottesmore will be reconsidered when the GR9 is withdrawn from service some time around 2018. Similarly, the 2025 out-of-service date of the Tornado GR4 also places a question mark over the long-term future of Marham. The U.K. defense ministry’s 2008 Defense Estates Plan says the “RAF is reviewing the value for money options for an (additional) Typhoon base.” The plan also suggests that after the GR9’s retirement, Cottesmore “could become surplus.” This site could, however, also be considered as a second base for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or for unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned combat air vehicles. The first F-35 base will be at Lossiemouth. The air force is already operating the Typhoon from Coningsby in England, with Leuchars in Scotland to be the second main operating base for the type. Reviewing whether a third Typhoon base is needed also likely reflects uncertainty as to the number of Typhoons the RAF will eventually receive. The four partner nations – Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain – are trying to conclude the Tranche 3 order by around the end of the year. London has asked for a number of pricing options on airframe numbers, including taking no aircraft from this production run. (Source: Aviation Week)
09 Jul 08. The Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Arizona Support Center (ASC) celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Arrowhead and Legacy TADS/PNVS support f