Yeovil MP Adam Dance welcomes new defence investment

Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has praised a significant new defence investment involving Honeywell, which will create and sustain highly skilled jobs in the town while contributing vital equipment to Ukraine.

The investment is the latest in a series of boosts to Yeovil’s aerospace and defence sector, coming after a major contract secured by Leonardo earlier this year supporting around 3,000 jobs.

A separate government defence investment will support around 50 jobs at Boeing Defence UK's Yeovil site.

Mr Dance said: "This is another vote of confidence in Yeovil and the highly skilled workforce that makes our town such an important part of the UK's defence industry.

"Since being elected, I have worked hard to champion Yeovil's aerospace and defence sector, raising its importance with ministers and making the case for continued investment in local jobs, skills and manufacturing.

"Honeywell is a key employer locally, and this announcement is fantastic news for both the company and the wider Yeovil economy.

"The recent Leonardo contract, the Boeing investment and this latest announcement involving Honeywell show the growing confidence in Yeovil's defence sector and further cement our reputation as a nationally significant aerospace and defence hub."

Mr Dance added the benefits of these investments will be felt beyond the businesses.

He said: "They support local families, strengthen our economy and create opportunities for the next generation through apprenticeships, training and skilled employment.

"I will continue working with government, industry leaders and local partners to make sure Yeovil remains at the forefront of defence manufacturing and innovation."

Yeovil’s long-established defence and aerospace industry supports thousands of jobs across Somerset and the wider South West.

Firms in the area play a key role in helicopter manufacturing, engineering, advanced technology, and defence supply chains.