Raytheon contract secures Harlow jobs

I was fortunate to be a special guest at Raytheon UK’s Harlow engineering facility to mark a multi-million-pound contract for the company.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Raytheon UK a replenishment contract for Paveway IV, the latest generation GPS precision-guided munition, as part of a £60 million contract.
Raytheon employs more than 400 skilled engineers in Harlow supporting a number of programmes across the defence and air traffic management sectors.

As discovered in a recent survey, Harlow has the biggest business growth in the UK and part of that is due to having companies like Raytheon in the constituency. As one of the largest employers in the region, the contracts that Raytheon is winning will safeguard hundreds of jobs.

Raytheon is central to our local economy, and I would argue that it’s central to the national economy as well.

Having operated here in Harlow for a number of years, Raytheon is truly a world-leading firm with major exports to civil and defence industries across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, national security and training and air traffic management sectors.

From Roydon to Electricals to St Clare to the Leisure Zone

Yesterday was a jam-packed constituency day, as I had a range of visits. First was to Roydon, to meet some local residents in Kingsmead Hill, who are concerned about the state of the fences and undergrowth. I will be working with the residents and local council to get the area improved.

I then went to Greenbrook Industries (just off Edinburgh Way), an electrical safety company. It was good to visit another Harlow business, especially with so many Harlow residents as employees. Whilst I was there, I had a long discussion with representatives of the Electrical Safety Council. They are doing a lot of work to promote electrical safety around the UK, and I hope to work with them re some schemes in Harlow.

A fascinating part of the day was a tour of the new Leisure Zone. It is an incredible place with the best that sports can offer. The quality of equipment and the beauty of the building, is a tribute to all those involved over many years.

Also on my time-table was a meeting with Holy Cross Pre-School and then Vicky Cooledge from Raytheon, who has been campaigning for CCTV around the Hydes Underpass to the Town. I am glad that the Council have responded and there should be something in place later in the year.

I was also particularly pleased to visit St Clare Hospice and meet the staff and patients. It was good to go to the day-centre in particular, especially as some of the patients were enjoying a good pint of Guinness! The picture shows me with Marcus, who is savouring a good pint. Every time I go the Hospice, it improves in some way or another and it remains a very special place of tranquility and sanctuary for those suffering from terminal illness.

One of the privileges of being an MP, is to have the chance to visit and support so many constituency organisations, so I always look forward to Fridays.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com