NEWS IN BRIEF

Aviation jobs at risk as site to close

MORE than 120 jobs are under threat after an aviation giant announced plans to close its Flintshire branch.

Marshall Aviation Services will enter a 45-day consultation with its Broughton workforce.

Workers at the site at Hawarden Airport provide maintenance, modification, paint and upgrade services to business jets. But they now face the axe after plans were announced to close the site.

A spokesman for Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group said: “Marshall acquired Hawker Beechcraft Ltd in 2013 as part of a strategy to grow in business aviation.

“Faced with changes in the market and with key customers, Marshall has continued to invest in the business, re-shaping and sizing the operation to reflect the market opportunity.

“Despite the commitment and focus of the team at Broughton, supported by Cambridge, these efforts have not resulted in sufficient sales to support the business and we have made significant losses in that business over the last three years.”

He added: “Discussions with potential buyers for the business have not resulted in a sale and we are now entering into a consultation period with a view to closing the business should no alternative come to light.

“Up to 126 dedicated employees could be affected. Our focus remains on supporting our employees through this difficult period.”