Jobs boost for aerospace company

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7421565.stm

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Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast is to take on about 100 permanent staff at its Shorts base over the next few months.

The company, which currently employs about 5,000 people in Northern Ireland, said this was the result of an upturn in orders.

The firm recently recruited about 120 full-time and 160 temporary staff.

At its peak, the Canadian-owned firm had a workforce of about 7,000 in Northern Ireland.

Trade Union Unite welcomed the recruitment which comes after several years of reducing employment levels.

Regional organiser David McMurray said: "This union will always welcome good news like this where we see job creation particularly in hi-tech industrial-based industries."

Earlier this month, the company announced a £70m investment in its Belfast operations where large parts of its new 100 seat regional jet will be built - it is due to enter service in the latter part of next year.

The company also announced it was joining a research programme to help produce "green aircraft".

It is one of 16 companies in the UK taking part in the project to develop new wings for aeroplanes.