Supply chain companies benefit from Typhoon production

LONDON, July 16 (UPI) -- The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is touting the benefits of the plane's production to supply chain companies in Britain.

According to data disclosed, the Typhoon program spent more than $1.1 billion with British supply chain companies last year.

Nearly $368 million made its way to the East Midlands region, where supplier Selex is located, while an equal amount was spent in the country's South West region, with a Selex facility and Rolls-Royce taking the lion's share.

"From Leith in Scotland to Christchurch on the South Coast and Cambridge in the east right out to Tewkesbury in the South West, the programme is supporting highly-skilled people which make our supply chain tick," said Chris Boardman, BAE's Military Air and Information managing director. "We recognize the value these people bring to our business and work closely with them to help them invest in their people and technology.

BAE Systems is a member of the consortium building the multi-role fighter, which is flown by Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain and others. Also members of the consortium are the Airbus Group and Alenia Aermacchi.