Airbus is investing £150 million at its Broughton site in North Wales as it prepares to increase aircraft production and create hundreds of new jobs.
The aerospace manufacturer is converting its former A380 wing production facility into an A321 production line, with work expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Airbus is also creating around 480 new, high-value jobs at Broughton during 2026, including 250 positions within the refurbished factory.
The new roles will join the existing 6,000-strong workforce at the site, which Airbus describes as its ‘Home of Wings’.
Once completed, the converted facility will house six wing production jigs, an equipping line and paint shop specifically designed to support production of the A320 Family of aircraft.
Airbus currently has a backlog of around 7,500 A320 Family aircraft, approximately 75% of which are A321s.
The company said the investment would help prepare its Broughton operation to meet future aircraft production targets while strengthening the UK’s role within its global aerospace manufacturing operations.
The new manufacturing environment has been designed and built with direct involvement from employees across the site, with operators contributing to decisions around ergonomics and the integration of technology into the industrial system.
Jerome Blandin, Head of Airbus Wing, said: “We aren’t just talking about a ramp-up; we’re putting the infrastructure in place to support it. Around the world today, an A320 Family aircraft takes off or lands every two seconds, with wings designed and built in the UK. Investing in our capacity strengthens our industrial footprint, creates high value jobs that support the wider UK aerospace sector and ensures we remain competitive in the years to come.
“This investment is important for jobs, important for the region and important for our global ramp up towards rate 75.”
Production of the first wing is already underway, with all six jigs expected to be operational by the end of the year.
The Broughton investment follows a recently announced multi-million-pound investment in Airbus’ Belfast facility, which will expand its wing manufacturing footprint and advanced composite capabilities to support increased A220 production.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “Today’s announcement of 480 new jobs, with more to follow next year, is great news for North Wales and demonstrates Airbus’ long-term commitment to Wales.
“This announcement strongly supports our ambition to grow advanced manufacturing and re-industrialise Wales.”
