BAE Systems is the latest world-class manufacturing company to move into the British city of Sunderland.
Following a ground-breaking ceremony, work has now officially started for the companys multi-million plant at Radial 64, Business Park, Washington.
The company was granted planning permission for its development last year and has worked closely with Sunderland City Councils Business and Investment Team on its 280,000-square-foot facility and its 25-year lease.
It is expected that 214 staff will transfer to Washington, from their old site at Birtley, and additional business could create a further 40 posts.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We're very proud of the world class industries and businesses that are based in our city and BAE's decision to build a hi-tech manufacturing plant here at Washington's Radial 64 Business Park is very pleasing. We worked closely with the company when it became known that they were interested in working here and we will continue to work closely with BAE in the future."
BAE's new purpose-built plant will house a forge, machining center, and heat and surface treatment plants as it manufactures casing for Ministry of Defense ammunition orders.
Access this 4-minute, 55-second video by clicking on the link below.