Axe looms for workers at Coventry aerospace firm

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THE AXE is hanging over up to 100 workers at Coventry's NP Aerospace as the firm faces up to the fallout of defence spending cuts by the Government.

Devastated workers at the Foleshill Road manufacturer are now waiting on the results of talks between company bosses and, trade unions and employee representatives who have been involved in a 30-day consultation, due to end in the coming days.

NP Aerospace makes body armour and combat vehicles for the British Army and is one of the largest companies of its kind in Europe.

A spokesperson for the firm this week confirmed it was in talks regarding potential redundancies, but would not reveal how many workers were facing the axe.

Rumours are rife, however, that the figure is expected to be around the 100 mark.

The spokesperson added: “In the context of a reduction in defence spending, NP Aerospace has entered into a consultation period with trade unions and employee representatives about potential redundancies.

“Every effort is being made to keep redundancies to a minimum and to mitigate the consequences, both on a personal level and to the business, to ensure that core skills and focus on class leading products are retained.”

Just three years ago the firm, which is also a specialist in personal body armour, military helmets, explosive ordnance suits and protective kits for a wide range of vehicles, was celebrating a number of high-profile contract wins with the Ministry of Defence.

It was also in the headlines last March when Lance Bombardier Nigel Greening, whose live was saved by body made at the Coventry factory, paid a visit to thank the staff.

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