A MAJOR advanced manufacturing company in Barrow has released its half year results. 

BAE Systems, which has a base in Barrow, has reported a good performance in the last six months.

Total sales amounted £8,472m, up from £7,611m last year.

Underlying earnings before interest, tax and amortisation remained steady at £800m, which is down from £802m in 2014.

The company also reported an operating profit of £700m which is up from £689m from six months ended June 30 2014. 

BAE Systems Submarines, which employs more than 7000 people in Barrow, has reported a positive six months.

Preparations are underway for the exit of Artful, the third Astute class submarine, which will begin sea trials this summer. 

Earlier this month, the Barrow site played host to Michael Fallon, the secretary of state for defence, who had a tour of the facilities.

Design work is continuing for the Successor programme and the company is also embarking on the £300m transformation of its Barrow site in preparation for the construction of the replacement Vanguard class.

BAE Systems Submarines is also set to continue its ongoing work with apprentices and will welcome almost 300 new trainees in September.

Tony Johns, BAE Systems Submarines managing director, said: “We are incredibly proud of the vital role we play in providing world-class submarines to the Royal Navy. 

"Progress across the Astute class programme remains positive and we are now looking forward to seeing Artful at sea over the summer, undergoing sea trials.

“Our workforce is now at its highest point in a number of years and we’ll continue to grow the business as we prepare to start building the successor to the Vanguard class submarines we are currently designing. 

"This year alone we will take on 287 apprentices, helping towards the need to secure our talent pipeline for the future.”