Major aerospace company could bring 1,000 jobs to Milton Keynes area

The company is considering relocating from Cambridge to Cranfield university site.

MK Council has this week welcomed the potential move, saying it would be "really exciting news" for Milton Keynes.

Marshall’s (MADG) is one of UK’s leading engineering and defence firms, and they are experts in everything from research and development to aircraft maintenance.

The move to Cranfield could bring 1,000 highly skilled jobs to the area, says the company.

MK Council already works in close partnership with Cranfield University in developing the proposals for MK:U – a new undergraduate university for Milton Keynes which will be a world leader in training people to take on jobs in the STEM economy.

If plans are approved and funded by government, the university could open as early as 2024.

Plans to significantly improve MK’s links to Cranfield have been in development in recent years with the Council’s proposals for enabling infrastructure and 5,000 homes at MK East, as well as a potential link to a future MK Mass Rapid Transit system.

Leader of MK Council, Cllr Pete Marland said: “This is really exciting news for Milton Keynes and we would welcome MADG with open arms. By locating right next to MK, the company will have access to all of the great amenities and opportunities our growing city has to offer, which we are already developing plans to improve through the delivery of infrastructure and homes at MKEast."

He added: “This announcement also demonstrates the continued importance of our close relationship with Cranfield University, with who we are delivering one of the most exciting and essential project for MK’s future, MK:U. I will be writing to MADG to welcome their interest in moving to the area and look forward to working with them in the future.”

But a spokesman for Marshall's said nothing definite had been decided.

"Obviously we are delighted to have signed an Option Agreement for the land at Cranfield with Marshall but we are still in negotiations and Marshall are still exploring an alternative site at Wyton," he said.

"Marshall will be making a final decision on relocation next year."