23 February 2010
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has today announced at the ‘New Industry New Jobs: Transforming our regions’ event in London that the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) will invest £7.4 million in developing next generation components for fuel efficient aircraft engines.
SEEDA funding towards a state of the art pre-production facility and essential infrastructure, will assist GKN Aerospace and Rolls-Royce in the development of light-weight carbon fibre fan blades for use in aircraft engines. The Environmental Lightweight Fan (ELF) blades, which are being developed on the Isle of Wight, will make aircraft more fuel efficient and reduce their carbon emissions. The overall programme is supported by a total £43m investment jointly derived from the Technology Strategy Board, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and SEEDA.
Encouraging the development of environmental technology is a key priority for the South East and this investment reflects SEEDA’s commitment to establishing the Isle of Wight as a centre for excellence in hi-tech composites.
SEEDA’s £7.4m contribution is part of an ongoing programme of investment on the Isle of Wight to deliver prosperity and help stimulate growth. It builds on previous funding of £1.25m provided to GKN Aerospace in 2004 through the National Composites Network (NCN). This helped to fund the creation of a highly successful composites research centre on the island. Bringing together a number of Regional Development Agencies and industry bodies, the NCN connects all segments of UK composites expertise. This collaborative approach helps to enhance the global competitiveness of the UK.
Jonathan Shaw, South East Regional Minister said:
“We’re world leaders in engine technology and this project shows how the aerospace industry is using innovative materials to meet its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
“I have visited GKN and seen first hand how this world leading technology is being used. I know how important this investment will be for the UK aerospace sector and the wider economy of the Isle of Wight. This investment has the potential to create high skill jobs and will help ensure British advanced manufacturing keeps us at the forefront of technology development.”
Rob Douglas CBE, SEEDA’s Chairman, said:
“This is great news for the South East. It further strengthens our position as a global leader in high value advanced manufacturing and green technologies – key sectors to deliver economic growth for the region and the UK.
“We have worked closely with GKN, Rolls-Royce and the Isle of Wight Council over the past 12 months to create this groundbreaking production facility for this innovative technology. It is part of our continued programme of investment in the UK’s advanced composite networks, bringing highly skilled jobs and new business opportunities to the Island.”
Iain Gray, Chief Executive, Technology Strategy Board, said:
“Development of innovative environmental lightweight fans will keep the UK at the forefront of aerospace technology and bring major economic benefits. I am delighted that the Technology Strategy Board is joining forces with SEEDA and the companies to help make this a reality.”
ENDS…
Notes to Editors
- Under the Environmental Lightweight Fan (ELF) programme Technology Strategy Board is providing £14m to be match funded by GKN and Rolls-Royce for research and technology, and SEEDA is providing £7.4m towards developing a pre-production facility with additional funding from GKN.
- SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency, is the Government-funded agency responsible for the sustainable economic development of the South East of England – the driving force of the UK’s economy. Through supporting businesses, encouraging innovation, developing skills and engaging with public and private partners, we aim to create a successful, sustainable future for the region.
SEEDA’s support helped deliver the following over the period 2005-2008:
- 17,500 jobs created or safeguarded
- 32,500 people helped to get work
- 10,000 businesses created or attracted to region
- 137,500 businesses assisted
- £638m investment, 45% levered from private sector
- 200ha Brownfield land remediated
- 148,500 people assisted in skills development
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