North East receives £100m of defence investment

  This week, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visited engineering and design company Rubb in Gateshead, where he spoke about the benefits of defence to the economy and industry.  

Gavin Williamson visits Rubb in Gateshead

During his visit on Monday, Mr Williamson was greeted by Rubb’s staff and was given a tour of the company’s Gateshead base. Rubb is a global leader in innovative defence structures, having worked with the military sector for many years. The relationship between Rubb and the UK Armed Forces goes back to 1979 when the RAF tasked the company to supply military buildings for the Red Arrows aerobatics display team. Ian Hindmoor, Managing Director at Rubb Buildings Ltd, said: “Working with the MOD is a long-standing relationship that we have nurtured over the years. We are proud to be part of an industry that helps provide equipment which supports our troops at home and in the field.”  

£100m of defence investment

Mr Williamson spoke of how Rubb is just one of many businesses that have benefited from working with the Ministry of Defence, and of how the defence industry impacts the UK economy. He said: “With this region benefiting from £100m of defence investment and in line for more business, it is playing a key role in ensuring our Armed Forces have what they need to protect our country from intensifying threats.” The North East of England is renowned for its defence manufacturing industry; however, the largest MOD industry group expenditure in the North East currently goes to computer services, totalling £63 million.  

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