Security for 800+ Kilkeel jobs sought after £multi billion sale

Assurances for over eight hundred jobs in Kilkeel are being sought after a major sale yesterday.

US aviation firm Rockwell Collins agreed to buy locally-based B E Aerospace in a $6.4bn deal.
The sale is viewed as an expansion for the US firm, which supplies cockpit electronics and cabin connectivity.
BE Aerospace's Kilkeel manufacturing plant supplies over 40% of the world's luxury aeroplane seats.
Local MLA Jim Wells says although the sale is good for the area, uncertainty about jobs needs to be addressed.
Speaking on the Q Cafe, he said, "I'm trying like many others to get assurances from Rockwell Collins that it's business as usual at Kilkeel and that indeed there could be an opportunity to expand."

He added, "BE Aerospace have been extremely committed to the Kilkeel economy... and all we're hoping for within the Kilkeel community, is that the new company Rockwell Collins will be as committed to South Down as BE Aerospace was."

The deal is waiting for the go ahead from regulators and shareholders.
Upon news of the sale yesterday shares in the US firm fell 7% while BE Aerospace shares leapt 15%.