Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has marked the completion of a multi-million-pound deal to supply the Australian Army with vital logistics equipment…
Defence Minister Stuart Andrew’s visit to WFEL in Stockport signified the completion of the final Dry Support Bridge which is part of a £53m contract with the Australian Army. The Defence Minister described the firm, which has benefited from £600m-worth of export orders, as ‘a model for how companies across the country can thrive on the global stage’.
Mr Andrew witnessed a 90-minute demo build of a 46-metre bridge from the firm, who are renowned world leaders in the field and was joined by Head of Australian Defence Staff London, Air Commodore Brian Edwards.
The bridges will be used in combat situations providing rapidly-deployable temporary infrastructure ensuring vital equipment and soldiers can navigate their way through the most challenging terrain. The military bridges can also be used in times of crisis during natural disasters maintaining essential lifelines to those who need it the most.
The Minister said: “Through WFEL, Stockport is leading the world in military bridges which help troops defeat our enemies and provide essential aid to people in disaster zones. Not only does WFEL bring hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds of investment to the UK, but it enables relations with some of our closest allies to flourish.
“As they finish an order for Australia, kick one off for America and look towards more opportunities to build British bridges, they are a model for how companies across the country can thrive on the global stage and play a key role in the defence of our nation.”
Work continues at WFEL following the completion of this Australian order as the company has now turned its focus to new orders for the US Army, building upon the 116 military bridges that the company has already built for US forces.
