BOSSES at Rolls Royce have told the area's MP that the plant at Barnoldswick has a rosy future.

MP Gordon Prentice told the Citizen he felt assured Barnoldswick will play a central role in the company's plans after he met Rolls Royce chief John Rose.

Said Mr Prentice: "I was told what I already know - that Barlick's wide chord fan blade is a world beater."

The MP arranged to see the top men at Rolls because he was concerned that new links being established with China would have a detrimental knock-on effect for workers.

He said: "I was concerned about the Chinese link-up announced on Monday, about technology transfer and what the effect would be on jobs here in the UK. I was given the reassurances I wanted to hear.

"The company said they had turned the corner after a few difficult years, during which the workforce, the floorspace and the number of machine tools shrank by 30 per cent.

"Rolls are now aiming to grow by sharpening competitiveness, improving profitability and, where it is in their interests, by entering into collaborative ventures.

"Mr Rose confirmed the size of the blue collar workforce was stable with the prospect of future growth and that the company would retain all their current sites.

"He said they were not in the business of giving away core capabilities and he included the leading edge fan blade technology. In this area we are ahead of the field.

"The company is taking on 100 graduates and 100 apprentices this year, and that's a sure sign that they are 'back in business'."

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