Top-level VIP is ‘inspired’ by visit to see investment at Appledore Shipyard

Appledore Shipyard has been visited by the Governor of the Bank of England to hear more about investment in the yard and meet some of the staff and apprentices.

Andrew Bailey was at the Navantia UK yard today (Friday, November 7) to view the contribution of the defence and maritime industry to the regional economy.

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The BoE says its policymakers often visit and speak to businesses across the UK to gain insight on how they and the wider economy are performing.

During a tour of the shipyard, Mr Bailey was shown modernisation work underway as part of a £115million investment programme by Navantia UK to upgrade its four UK facilities – Appledore, Arnish, Belfast and Methil.

Above: Andrew Bailey said he was ‘inspired’ to see Appledore’s shipbuilding heritage matched by ‘forward-looking commitment’. Credit: Adam Gasson/PA Media Assignments

Appledore is being upgraded with modern equipment – including a heavy-duty, high precision plasma cutter - to play a role in the £1.6billion Fleet Solid Support programme, under which Navantia UK is building three vessels that will deliver vital supplies to Royal Navy warships.

Bow sections for the ships will be built at Appledore, before being transferred by barge to the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast for assembly. The vessels will be the second largest in the navy after the UK’s two aircraft carriers – parts of which were also built at Appledore.

During his visit, Mr Bailey also met some of Navantia UK’s 222 apprentices being trained as part of the next generation of British shipbuilders and engineers.

Of the present cohort, 43 apprentices are based at Appledore, out of the shipyard’s overall workforce of 200. He also held a meeting with members of the South West business community at the shipyard’s skills centre.

Above: Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, looks on as Appledore Shipyard fabricators demonstrate their work. Credit: Adam Gasson/PA Media Assignments

The governor said: “Navantia UK’s investment in Appledore is a powerful example of how advanced manufacturing and defence innovation can drive regional growth.

“It’s inspiring to see the shipyard’s rich heritage being matched by a forward-looking commitment to skills, technology and local opportunity. Meeting the firm’s apprentices here today also gave me a real insight into the education and local commerce collaborative efforts.”

Donato Martinez, chief executive of Navantia UK, added: “The Appledore shipyard plays a vital role in the North Devon economy and investment by Navantia UK has secured its future. It was a pleasure to welcome the governor and to show him around the yard.

“Our shipbuilding work creates skilled jobs for local people, including engineering apprenticeships in disciplines such as welding, fabrication and pipe fitting. On top of that, Appledore shipyard has a supply chain involving dozens of local businesses – delivering everything from steel supplies and equipment hire to landscaping and catering.”

The visit highlighted the supply chain of local businesses supporting Navantia UK Appledore and included a presentation by the governor to the regional business community. One such business is Barnstaple-based Wellington Welding Supplies, which provides machinery to the shipyard. 

Tom Wheeler, sales engineer at Wellington Welding Supplies, said: “Appledore shipyard is crucial for North Devon and its revival under Navantia UK has the potential to inject real energy into the local economy.

“As a regular supplier of equipment including welding wire, machines and PPE, we’re looking forward to playing a role in building the three Fleet Solid Support ships and in contributing to Britain’s sovereign defence capabilities.”