Global defence specialist Leonardo plans to bring 200 jobs to Newcastle city centre with the opening of a science and engineering facility.
The Rome-based firm, which employs about 49,000 worldwide, will open a base at The Spark within the city's Helix site. It will become Leonardo's eighth UK site and will focus on research and development of the €14.1bn revenue company's advanced military technology, including sensing, security and vertical lift products.
In announcing the move, the business said aimed to recruit talent from the region and connect with the North East's small and medium-sized companies - some of which are already part of its UK supply chain. As a major Ministry of Defence supplier, Leonard employs about 8,000 people in the UK, making military helicopters and technology for Royal Air Force aircraft.
