Facility expansion enables increas in F-35 Lightning II production

Work has begun on a major expansion to BAE Systems’ state of the art F-35 Lightning II machining facility in Samlesbury, Lancashire.

The work will ensure it is prepared for the increase in production rates of the stealthy, fifth generation, multi-role combat jet.

It will also bring the programme’s full metal machining capability in one building.

Cliff Robson, Senior Vice-President for the F-35 Lightning II programme at BAE Systems, said: “This extension to our machining facility further demonstrates our readiness to meet the challenge of increased production rates on the world’s largest defence programme.

“Our facilities are amongst the best in the world. Using the latest technologies available and building on the manufacturing experience developed throughout our long and rich history, we are able to play a key role on this global programme.”