JSF drives further investment at BAE Samlesbury

The first new machine is to be delivered in October 2006 and preparations are already underway, with area clearance of the three old 5-axis Automax III machines nearing completion and design works for the foundations commencing. To support production requirements in the interim, BAE Systems will utilise Starrag Heckert’s in-house manufacturing facilities in Switzerland. An option for a second machine is to be exercised later this year, with this scheduled for installation in January 2007. The F-35 JSF, the next-generation, supersonic, multi-role stealth aircraft designed to replace the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 Hornet and the United Kingdom’s Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier. * StarragHeckert has increased its shareholding in Toolroom Technology (TTL), Aylesbury, Bucks to a controlling stake of 76 per cent – it previously held 40 per cent. TTL is a global market leader in providing advanced machining systems for the repair of aircraft engine components. Over the last three years TTL’s 20-man team has generated average annual sales revenues of £2.65 million.