21 Dec 2007 | Ref. 402/2007
Glasgow, United Kingdom. – BAE Systems’ Clyde yards are celebrating one of their most successful years in generations following a series of major achievements in 2007. The yards have delivered strong performance on all programmes and seen yet another year of increased investment, particularly in the workforce with the highest number of apprentices in generations starting their careers on the yards.
This, combined with the UK government announcement of the Future Aircraft Carriers and the continued Investors in People accreditation, has made the Clyde yards a key career choice for many people from across Scotland.
Amongst other major achievements during 2007, BAE Systems has had two successful launches of the most advanced destroyers in the world and taken the first of class Type 45, HMS Daring, to sea for the first time, exceeding all expectations in her performance. In addition, the last of the four LSD(A) ships was delivered in August, nine weeks early, to “the best standard seen for a long time” by the customer.
Reflecting the mood of optimism and progress on the Clyde, the yards at Scotstoun and Govan have also had a record breaking year in raising money for charity. Employees on the Clyde have shattered their target of raising £100,000 in the year for local charities by a massive 50 percent, with the total currently standing at over £150,000. In addition, they have given over 4000 hours of their time to good causes.
Increased innovation has also been one of the key drivers for business improvement throughout 2007. Several employee led initiatives to save time and resources have been put into practice including vending machines for smaller items of equipment to reduce the amount of time it takes for production staff to get new equipment. Lead-free paint has also been introduced on the Type 45 Destroyer programme, which has significantly reduced carbon emissions and landfill.
The company has been awarded several independent accolades during the year, including awards for the company’s commitment to the environment, local community and health and safety. The awards include;
• Business Commitment to the Environment Award
• Vision in Business for the Environment (VIBES) Award
• RoSPA Gold Award for the second year running
• Scottish Healthy Working Lives Award
• Continued ISO14001 accreditation for commitment to environmental management systems and standards.
Commenting on the year of success, BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions’ managing director Vic Emery said; “2007 has been a fantastic year not only for the business, but the whole industry. Increased innovation and an extensive recruitment drive to find the next generation of warship builders has been right at the top of our agenda and I am delighted that we have successfully managed to achieve both.
“We have continued to deliver for our main customer, the Royal Navy, and the amount of money raised for local good causes and the prestigious awards that we have received is testament to the commitment of all our staff in improving not only their working environment but also that of the surrounding areas.”
On behalf of the Clyde Trade Unions, GMB convenor John Dolan said; “The company and the employees were set significant challenges in 2007 and these have been successfully met as a result of increased flexibility and innovation combined with the determination and skill of the Clyde workforce.
“I am 100 percent confident that we will all strive to build on these successes through 2008 and beyond when we will see the completion and delivery of both the Type 45 Programme and the Future Aircraft Carriers.”
A report in March by the respected Fraser of Allander Institute revealed that Clyde yards contribute over £238 million to the Scottish economy and support almost 4,500 jobs across Scotland.
About BAE Systems:
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006
For further information please contact:
Catherine Thurogood, BAE Systems
Mob: +44 (0) 7801 717860
catherine.thurogood@baesystems.com
Scott Hailstone, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384725 Mob: +44 (0)7793 423068
scott.hailstone@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
