Missile factory employees were key to Libya success
8:30am Sunday 19th February 2012 in News
WORKERS at a Bolton missile factory doubled their output in support of the RAF during the Libyan conflict last year.
Now a defence minister has visited MBDA UK at Lostock, to thank staff for their efforts.
Minister for Defence, Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, was also able to see for himself where some of the UK’s most sophisticated missiles are made.
The factory, which employs about 300 people, is responsible for the production of a number of complex weapons including the Dual Mode Brimstone missile, which was used by the RAF during NATO’s operation in support of the UN over Libya in 2011.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Use of this missile was key to supporting the UK’s efforts during the conflict, providing the RAF with the ability to strike with precision.
“During the conflict MBDA UK at Lostock was asked to double its output of the weapon to ensure that the RAF was adequately equipped to support the efforts in Libya as well as continuing its role in supporting operations in Afghanistan.”
Tuesday’s visit also saw the 500th Brimstone coming off the production line ready to be delivered to the Ministry of Defence.
Addressing staff at the plant, Mr Luff said: “I am glad that I have had the opportunity to come here and thank you all in person for your efforts in supporting the NATO operation during the conflict in Libya last year.
Brimstone and Storm Shadow have a deserved reputation for accuracy and reliability and the use of these missiles alongside the RAF’s other air to surface weapons, was of real importance to the success of the operation to liberate the country.”
Managing director Steve Wadey said: “The Minister’s visit is a welcome recognition of the contribution MBDA and its employees make to the Armed Forces and their operations.”
S u p e r v i s o r Ke i t h Nicholson added: “I have been working at MBDA’s Lostock site for 36 years and always recognised that our work was important in helping to defend our troops, yet after hearing from the minister about the contribution we made with DMB in Libya, I think the last 12 months of hard work is going to stand out when I look back.”
