Boeing to open new production facility in Sheffield
Sheffield selected as site of Boeing's 1st manufacturing facility in Europe, working closely with the AMRC to develop new techniques.
Boeing Sheffield will enable the aerospace company to bring the manufacture of key high-tech actuation components and systems in-house. These include components for Boeing’s next-generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircraft. This should enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
Locating the plant alongside the University of Sheffield’s world-class Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) will also allow Boeing to initiate a major research and development programme. Specifically the aerospace company will look to innovate new techniques in manufacturing.
New jobs are also expected to be created in 2018.
Boeing is a co-founder of the AMRC. It is a member of the high value manufacturing (HVM) Catapult Centres, supported by Innovate UK.
Sir Michael Arthur, President of Boeing Europe and Managing Director of Boeing UK and Ireland, said:
The UK provides Boeing with the talent and infrastructure we need to grow and maintain a high level of productivity and quality to meet our significant order book.
We are proud to expand our relationship with the UK still further with Boeing Sheffield. Our decision to start manufacturing high-value components in the UK is a step-change in our engagement and a further example of Boeing’s commitment to grow here, supporting the UK’s long-term prosperity.
The Boeing Sheffield news follows the recently announced partnership between the AMRC and McLaren Automotive.
Ruth McKernan, Innovate UK’s Chief Executive said:
This significant further investment and partnership by Boeing in Sheffield and the AMCR is excellent news for the region. It is testament to world-class expertise and facilities provided by the AMRC, and the high value manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
It comes off the back of McLaren Automotive’s recent announcement that it will open a £50 million composites technologies centre next to the AMRC, illustrating the strength of advanced manufacturing innovation in the UK.