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Message: [QUOTE="Shamiso, post: 83630, member: 160"] Thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs face immediate risk without a helicopter contract. Workers at Leonardo Helicopters' Yeovil facility, Britain's last military helicopter factory, fear its closure. The Italian-owned defense group is the sole bidder for a major new medium helicopter program with the Ministry of Defence. Prolonged delays in awarding the contract have created critical uncertainty over the site's future. Industry sources state the bid's finalized offer expires soon, with pricing tied to complex global supply chains. A source indicated the entire procurement process might need restarting if confirmation is delayed beyond that point. Leonardo's chief executive warned the Defence Secretary that further delays could trigger a reevaluation of all its United Kingdom investments. The helicopter contract is considered a cornerstone of the company's national strategy. The union Unite reports eroded worker confidence as employees await clarity. The general secretary stated workers are in limbo, demanding the government confirm the order. The Ministry of Defence highlighted record planned spending and a new investment plan in development. A spokesperson referenced a significantly funded multi-year defence program. Without swift government action, the country risks losing its final domestic ability to build military helicopters. This outcome would eliminate thousands of skilled positions in a blow, considered nearly impossible to reverse. The standoff continues despite ministerial commitments to increase defence spending amid global security concerns. Suppliers express frustration over the absence of a long-term investment plan. [/QUOTE]

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