Produced for the Swan Hunter shipyard at Wallsend by Jay Productions, this promotional film was made to show the government and the Ministry of Defence why Swan Hunter is the shipyard to choose to design and build the next generation of British warships. Commentary by Sunderland born actor James Bolam. Title: An initiative by the people of Swan Hunter The film starts with a view of the river high in the moorlands near its source, as the commentary speaks of a rare finding downstream towards...

Produced for the Swan Hunter shipyard at Wallsend by Jay Productions, this promotional film was made to show the government and the Ministry of Defence why Swan Hunter is the shipyard to choose to design and build the next generation of British warships. Commentary by Sunderland born actor James Bolam. Title: An initiative by the people of Swan Hunter The film starts with a view of the river high in the moorlands near its source, as the commentary speaks of a rare finding downstream towards the sea, a great British shipyard. Title: Swan Hunter The film shows cranes moving large structures across the shipyard the commentary describes two ships moored there are being fitted out by over 2000 specialists. General views show work progressing on the two ships. On the berth the hull of a new ship will soon be ready for fitting out. In another workshop a worker fabricates one of the many elements that are required to build a ship. The commentary says this workshop is nearly empty except for new parts which will be part of the build of a small cross Tyne ferry. The film moves on to the company’s drawing offices, the commentary, states that work had almost dried up. On screen headlines from media sources appear; ‘Big job cuts loom’, ‘Job losses cast shadow over yard’s future’, ‘Blow to region from massive redundancies’, ‘Swan Hunter to shed jobs’ and ‘1425 jobs to go’. The commentary states that there are enough orders to keep all British shipyards in production from the mid-nineties into the next century. Title: Peter Forrest – Director Strategy Development Peter says that the Royal Navy needs to replace their amphibious ships and Swan Hunter is best placed to do this sort of work by reputation. Pictures follow of one ship that Swan Hunters would have the necessary expertise to build, an amphibious helicopter carrier. The film shows a projected view of the launch of a ship at Swan Hunter. The building of merchant ships could help the yard but on screen Peter explains that unlike other European shipbuilders they do not get state assistance for building merchant ships. A model of a small warship underlines the statement from Peter that Swan Hunters invest resources into this kind of ship which they sell to other countries. General views show workmen on the deck of a ship as the commentary outlines initiatives to keep the company as a competitive as possible. Views show the use of state of the art computer design modules and the deployment of electronic cutting to fabricate items. A workman works on some complicated wiring in the interior of the ship. Title: Jack Courtney The electrician describes some details of his work, and the valuable training he had from Swan Hunters. Title: Fred Humphrey – Senior Design Engineer On screen Fred works at his computer which is used to produce ship designs. Off camera he describes the process. The commentary states that many of those depending on this equipment are working in different parts of the yard. General views of workers in the yard as the commentary emphasises a strong team ethic in the company. A view from a boardroom meeting shows a trade union committee meeting called together to try and save the pool of skills at Swan Hunter. Title: Tom Brennan – Chairman, CSEU Tyne & Blyth District Committee On screen in front a ship still under construction Tom outlines the history of the shipyard from 1986 when new owners took over the company. He outlines the changes that were made in working practices and the use of technology have placed the company in a strong position to continue and expand. A view of a team meeting taking place in an office. Title: Fred Oman – Frigate Projects Director Fred outlines the purpose of these meetings which includes consultation with the customer. A view follows of an aircraft carrier being towed along the Tyne by tugs out to sea. Views follow of the official handing over of a new vessel, HMS Coventry to the Royal Navy. Title: Tony Rogers – Commodore – Naval Ship Acceptance (Retired) Tony outlines the expectations and outcomes of this latest handover. The film cuts to another smaller type of vessel speeding across the sea. A view follows of an aircraft taking off from a carrier as the commentary outlines the condition that will ensure skilled work at Swan Hunter continues. Views show the electronic controls on a new warship. Title: Dick Bidwell Manager, Ferranti Systems Management Group. On screen he says the Swan Hunters is a valued customer and they have worked well with Ferranti to produce innovative products. Title: Ken Smith – Technical Director – Metnor Industrial Holdings Ltd He is concerned about the current situation where lack of orders have created problems, if orders could be accelerated on behalf of Swan Hunter that would improve the outlook for his firm. Title: Peter Forrest – Director – Strategy Development. On screen he outlines the importance of having a good technical workforce to build modern warships. A view follows of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort George. The commentary talks about a crisis point for Swan Hunter, and that money that will be invested for economic growth in the future should be invested now in Swan Hunter to save an irreplaceable asset for the economy. Views follow of those who contributed to the programme as it finishes. Title: Back the High Performer End credit: JAY Productions © Jay Productions 1992