Cobham announces jobs boost in UK and France

The defence technology contractor Cobham says a deal to supply 'waveguides' for telecommunication satellites will boost jobs at its plants in Chichester in the UK and Les Clayes-sous-Bois in France.

The long term agreement from Astrium, a subsidiary of EADS, is worth £14m over the next 18 months, and includes an option to extend production into 2014.

Cobham says it will need to invest in both the facilities, boosting the skilled manufacturing workforce by 20% in Chichester and 25% in Les Clayes-sous-Bois.

Eiji Kawaishi, vice president of Cobham Aerospace Communications, said: "These agreements for our waveguide business units are important milestones in our business plans in this dynamic market."

Cobham shares were down 0.55% at 8:16.

BS