Defence chief in flying visit to Almondbank

Aug 22 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEFENCE Secretary Des Browne yesterday paid a flying visit to Almondbank’s former DARA complex and praised the Big County workforce for keeping frontline forces’ helicopters in the air.

He welcomed a positive start to the new regime, with Canadian-based Vector Aerospace controversially acquiring the Ministry of Defence base earlier this year.

The government defence chief said: “The company’s performance on its repair, overhaul and modification contracts since the sale in April has ensured not only that outputs have been maintained but that they have improved.

“This has had a direct impact on our ability to deliver helicopter flying hours where they are most needed, in southern Afghanistan and Iraq, which has been one of my highest priorities since I became Defence Secretary.”

The 300-strong Vector workforce handles Chinook, Sea King and Lynx.

Mr Browne added: “Vector’s staff have continued to deliver the high level of service inherited from DARA and although only months since the transition from MoD ownership their positive and proactive attitude is most encouraging for the future.

“The MoD had two guiding principles for the sale of DARA - the interests and safety of our Armed Forces and securing the longevity of employment for the workforce in order to secure the skills base now and into the future. I am delighted that both these principles have been maintained.”