MBDA, a world-leader in missiles and missile systems with a factory at Lostock, is a new sponsor in this year’s Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

The multi-national group has 10,000 employees and has facilities in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States.

It was created in 2001 after the merger of the main missile producers in France, Italy and the UK.

Each of these companies contributed the experience gained from many years of technological and operational success, with the company’s heritage at Lostock, originally a De Havilland propeller factory, now stretching back 75 years.

The Lostock site’s history includes the manufacturing of propellers used on British military aircraft in the Second World War and, more recently, commercial aircraft, along with modern, high-technology weapons used by all three branches of the armed forces.

At Lostock, nearly 300 staff are employed across a variety of manufacturing and engineering disciplines with the majority focused on making advanced electronic sub-systems and the non-explosive assembly and testing of missiles and equipment.

The site and its employees have been recognised by defence ministers for their outstanding dedication and work on the Dual Mode Brimstone missile, which was vital to the RAF in NATO operations across Afghanistan and Libya.

MBDA has also been widely praised for its leadership in promoting apprenticeships in engineering and business, and by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers for boosting links between education and industry.

The recognition also extends to its employees who have acquired numerous awards including the 2012 National Higher Apprentice of the Year accolade given to Beth Sherbourne, aged 22.

She has spoken at the House of Lords and appeared on ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live as part of a national scheme to promote apprenticeships.

It is in this spirit of championing learning, sustaining capability and recognising the local importance of such achievements that MBDA is a sponsor in the 2013 Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Bernard Waldron, MBE, manufacturing director for MBDA UK, said: “We are passionate about developing all our people. For some time, we have recognised the vital importance of training young people to maintain and refresh our knowledge and skills base, and consequentially sustain our global competitiveness. The awards we have won ourselves give testimony to our commitment in this area.

“In today's uncertain business environment, perhaps more than ever before, there is an increasing collective responsibility for the appropriate development of the skills and capabilities of our young people if we are to compete and succeed at local, national and international levels.

“We are therefore delighted, as a local company and in the pursuit of this goal, to sponsor the 2013 Bolton and Bury Business Award for Best Company for Training Apprentices & Education Links.”

l To enter the awards visit the boltonnews.co.uk/ business_awards/ If you want to include more information, testimonials or brochures please send them with your entry forms. The closing date is April 26. If you have any queries then please call Lynn Ashwell, deputy editor, The Bolton News, on 01204 537277.