Boeing announces new manufacturing facility alongside the HVM Catapult AMRC
US aerospace company Boeing is to open a brand new manufacturing facility alongside the AMRC in Sheffield.
The company is co-founder of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s (AMRC), part of the HVM Catapult.
With a planned Boeing investment of more than £20 million, the new 2,300 square meter facility, to be named Boeing Sheffield, is part of a broader plan by Boeing to begin in-house manufacturing of key actuation components and systems used in Boeings Next Generation 7aircraft to enhance production efficiency and reduce cost in its extended production system.
Boeing Sheffield will employ approximately 30 people when it opens as part of BCA’s Fabrication operations and its establishment will also open up new opportunities for U.K. suppliers to bid for work.
Dick Elsy, Chief Executive of the HVM Catapult said:
“This is tremendously positive news. Only two weeks after McLaren announced its new composites manufacturing facility near the AMRC, we now see major US investment coming in, building on the technology capabilities developed in the AMRC. It shows the power of the HVM Catapult model, providing open access to the latest and emerging technology capabilities to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing. Boeing Sheffield will create valuable highly skilled jobs in the area and shows clearly that the UK is a very attractive place to invest and undertake high value manufacturing.”
As part of the plans for its new facility, Boeing will initiate a major research and development programme with the AMRC to develop new manufacturing techniques. Boeing Sheffield is expected to begin hiring new employees in 2018 – capitalising on the skilled workforce in Sheffield as well as the AMRC‘s existing capabilities.
“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.”
Sir Michael Arthur, President of Boeing Europe and Managing Director of Boeing UK and Ireland
