Distribution premises in Avonmouth will benefit from BAE and EADS super-group

Airbus parent company EADS and Britain’s largest defence group BAE Systems have confirmed they are in merger talks to create a European industrial powerhouse – with Bristol set to play a key role in the new super-group

Both firms have major operations in and around the city. Airbus employs more than 4,000 people at its Filton plant where it designs wings, landing gear and fuel systems for all Airbus aircraft. EADS itself has operations on the same site which are developing pioneering new non-metalic materials for aircraft parts.

BAE has a number of bases in Bristol, including at Filton, which it originally owned and where its predecessor companies, including British Aerospace, built generations of civil aircraft. BAE’s Bristol operations today are mainly linked with the MoD and include design engineering for military ships such as the Type 45 destroyer.

With two such massive companies set to merge distribution space and manufacturing premises are going to be in high demand.

“The potential combination would create a world-class international aerospace, defence and security group with substantial centres of manufacturing and technology excellence in France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the USA,” BAE Systems said.

A significant merger is set to take place that could change the financial future of Bristol and the surrounding area.