Spain to bid for British A400M production?

Spanish press article:

Spain wants to take up the British A400M slack

By h.b. – Mar 5, 2010 – 7:06 AM

Britain has doubts over the costs of the military Airbus project

Doubts from the British Government over continued participation in the military A400M airbus has led Spain to suggest that the team and jobs currently in the U.K. be transferred to Spain.

The plane is four years behind project and well over budget, but made her maiden flight recently in Sevilla where the craft is assembled. A 3.5 billion € rescue package has been set up to be paid between the seven countries taking part in the project, but London is reported to be reticent.

Spain has therefore suggested that the machinery currently at the British factory in Filton, near Bristol, where the plane’s wings are made, be brought to Spain, and the country has even offered to pay the costs of the transfer.

Spain currently has some 2,000 people directly employed on the project, and fears that as many as 8,000 could be affected if the plane is shelved.
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Looks like my signature graphic could be due for a change.:(