FIFTY new jobs are set to be created across south Dorset after a mine-hunter company was awarded a £32m Ministry of Defence contract for the Royal Navy.
South Dorset MP Richard Drax has welcomed the news that Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK), who's UK headquarters are in Winfrith, will be creating the 50 new roles across the south of the county.
The new vacancies will all be skilled roles within engineering, production and the supply chain at the company, as well as providing graduate opportunities.
The jobs were created after AEUK was contracted to supply autonomous underwater vehicle systems for the Royal Navy - including three sets of medium autonomous underwater vessels.
Wesley Galliver, head of surface ship systems, said: “We are very proud of the advanced mine countermeasures technology that Atlas Elektronik UK has invested in over the years is now being provided to the Royal Navy for their flagship Mine Counter Measures (MCM) operational evaluation programme.
“MCM is at the heart of our business and AEUK are delighted to enhance the Royal Navy’s autonomous systems capability.”
MP Richard Drax welcomed the new contract which will create 50 new jobs in Dorset, as well as a further 23 roles across Europe.
“This is another big win for Atlas Elektronik,” said Mr Drax.
“These mine hunters use state of the art technology to provide protection for both the Royal Navy and the UK’s maritime interests.
“Autonomous, or drone, mine-hunters, which hunt down and destroy enemy mines without endangering naval personnel, are controlled remotely by operators on sea or land.
“They will protect our Navy, our submariners and our many maritime interests and add to our already impressive system of autonomous assets.”
The mine-hunters are expected to provide a significant technological leap for the Royal Navy as it combats the evolving threat of sea mines.
Mr Drax added: “These mine-hunters were promised in the integrated review and I am pleased and proud that a south Dorset-based firm is providing them.
“Atlas continues to bring jobs, prosperity and cutting edge science to our constituency while benefitting the whole nation.”
Testing and acceptance for the new roles will take place at AEUK’s facilities in Bincleaves, Weymouth and Portland Marina.
Those interested in finding out more about the roles are asked to email recruitment@uk.atlas-elektronik.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel