The Welsh Government is supporting Raytheon UK’s aim to expand its supply chain in Wales and this week (Wednesday 30 September) hosted a Meet the Buyer event targeted at organisations with expertise in sensors, electro optics and unmanned air systems.
The day long event in Wrexham aims to open up opportunities for Welsh businesses working across a number of sectors particularly ICT and Opto-electronics.
It follows the announcement by Raytheon UK last year that it is investing £1m to expand its Special Mission Aircraft facility at Broughton with Welsh Government support.
The Airborne Solutions business is now headquartered at Broughton where a new Centre of Excellence is being established for design and programme management which is creating 50 new jobs.
The new facility has increased the company’s capacity to address expanding markets and invest in R&D to develop new technologies and capabilities to encompass software engineering and avionics.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “Raytheon UK is recognised by the Welsh Government as a Regionally Important Company and it’s great news the company wants to develop its supply chain in Wales. I am delighted the Welsh Government is helping to facilitate this collaboration through a special meet the buyer event.
“It presents some great opportunities for Welsh companies and organisations to understand Raytheon’s requirements, meet and speak to their procurement team while also providing us with the opportunity to promote the expertise we have in Wales.”
During the event businesses were given an overview of the company, technology areas it is interested in expanding and the areas where it needs suppliers. Welsh suppliers will meet the procurement team, network and take advantage of one to one sessions.
An exhibition running alongside the event showcases Welsh expertise across a range of sectors.