A CLUTCH of multi-million pound aerospace orders will help secure hundreds of jobs at an aerospace factory.

Hurel-Dubois have announced two firm orders which will increase the workload at its Bancroft Road site in Burnley which employs 630 people.

The first order is for thrust reversers - which help slow down aircraft - for Allied Signal engines to be used to power Bombardier business jets. Advanced sales of the aircraft, launched at this week's Paris Air Show, are already past 60.

The Burnley factory will also benefit from a further order for components for Embraer aircraft. And another deal secured by its French parent firm for work on General Electric engines may bring additional work to the site.

"This is very good news for everyone we employ in Burnley and will certainly contribute to job security," said Hurel-Dubois UK commercial director Mike Maunder.

Hurel-Dubois is part of a strong contingent of North West aerospace firms exhibiting at the Paris show - the shop window of the world's aerospace industry.

The Nelson based North West Aerospace Alliance has more than a dozen local firms represented on its stand.

"It is very encouraging to hear such good news for our region. Our industry is key to employment and prosperity in the North West and it is a testament to our expertise and competitiveness that we continue to be a major player in the aerospace market," said Dennis Mendoros, chairman of the NWAA and boss of Kelbrook based Euravia engineering.

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