Swindon & Wiltshire News
Flyby Technology to create 300 jobs in Swindon, ‘drone manufacturing hub of the UK’
Drone firm Flyby Technology is to create 300 jobs in Swindon, fulfilling the ambition of one of the town’s MPs to make it the ‘drone manufacturing hub of the UK’.
Armed forces veteran and Swindon North MP Will Stone hailed the news earlier today (Thursday).
“I am delighted to have supported Flyby in making the decision to open up a manufacturing hub in Swindon,” he said.
“There will be 85 jobs in the first six months with the aim of 300 when they introduce their next aircraft.
“My vision of Swindon becoming the drone manufacturing hub of the UK is fast becoming a reality and I’ll continue working to deliver high quality employment for the people of Swindon,” he said.
The MP has been courting drone technology firms for months now, and Flyby’s news follows the announcement by German tech firm Stark that it is to open a military drone factory in Swindon, creating 100 skilled jobs.
Flyby says The Jackal has “the potential to do it all: from battlefield air interdiction, close air support, engaging helicopters in flight, killing tanks, delivering logistics to denying an enemy the use of runways and roads.”
Flyby CEO Jon Parker said: “We have been searching for some time to find a home for our business. We are pushing technology to its absolute limits, and we needed to find a place that has the skills, the ambition and leadership to support us. We have found all three in Swindon.
“The town is on a new trajectory and Flyby wants to be a significant part of that. The drone industry and Swindon needed a champion in Parliament.
“Will is certainly putting both on the political map. He remembered and recognised the importance of FlyBy’s pioneering work on the NHS project, flying chemotherapy to the Isle of Wight. Will’s vision and energy is what our industry and our nation has been seeking.”
Will Stone said: “Flyby coming to Swindon is incredibly exciting. They have an expertise for advancing cutting edge manufacturing and innovative ideas that will encourage Swindon and the other drone manufacturers coming to the town to flourish.
“This is yet another boost of confidence in not only Swindon, it’s people and industrial past, but my vision to develop a drone cluster in the town that bolsters our nation’s defence and provides high skilled jobs to the people of our town.”
Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council said: “Swindon is currently undergoing an industrial re-emergence and FlyBy’s decision to establish themselves in the town continues the Council’s mission to create skilled jobs, encourage innovation, and position Swindon as a national leader in UAV manufacturing.
“The Council are proud that Flyby are joining in our missions to deliver these goals.”
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