Aerospace giant Boeing to build £20m factory in Sheffield
It comes just weeks after McLaren put its money in the city
Last updated 24th Feb 2017
Another global company is set to invest millions in South Yorkshire.
Aerospace giant Boeing has announced a deal to build its first European manufacturing factory on the Sheffield-Rotherham border.
The £20m facility - which will be called 'Boeing Sheffield' - is set to be built at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Catcliffe.
It comes just a couple of weeks after super car maker McLaren announced a £50m deal in the area.
Boeing says it hopes to start recruiting people to work at the new factory as early as next year. They’ll help make high-tech parts for aircraft wings.
Boeing Sheffield will be the company’s first manufacturing facility in Europe, enabling access to U.K talent and skills.
“The U.K. 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,” says Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing U.K. and Ireland.
“We are proud to expand our relationship with the U.K. still further with Boeing Sheffield. Our decision to start manufacturing high-value components in the U.K. is a step-change in our engagement and a further example of Boeing’s commitment to grow here, supporting the U.K.’s long-term prosperity.”
Boeing Sheffield will employ approximately 30 people when it opens. The new centre will also open up new opportunities for British companies to bid for work.
Subject to local authority and other relevant planning permissions, the 2,300-square-metre facility will be built alongside The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
“This announcement is the culmination of a successful relationship that has developed since the AMRC was founded and reinforces that our region is a leading location for high-value advanced manufacturing,” said Professor Keith Ridgway CBE, executive dean of the AMRC with Boeing.
“We look forward to supporting Boeing and continuing to ensure that U.K. manufacturers remain competitive, through access to our expertise here at the AMRC.”
Boeing also plans to launch a major research programme with the AMRC to develop new techniques. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority will support this through grant funding, subject to agreeing terms and conditions.
Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and economy at Sheffield City Council, said: “In a month when McLaren and Sheffield Forgemasters announced hugely significant new deals with the city and region, Boeing’s announcement is further evidence of the unique opportunities available within the AMID.
“As a region we are uniquely placed to provide world-scale, world-leading opportunities for some of the biggest global firms.
“But the effect will be felt by businesses across the local supply chain, creating highly-skilled jobs and opportunities for our people."