AEROSPACEgiant Boeing has announced plans to build its first European factory in Sheffield.

The 20 million facility will manufacture parts and systems used on aeroplane wings for the companys aircraft.

AP:Associated Press

The firm will also initiate a major research and development programme with the University of Sheffields Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to develop new manufacturing techniques.

The proposed 2,300 sq m factory will be built alongside the AMRC, between Sheffield and Rotherham.

It is expected to begin hiring next year.

The facility, to be named Boeing Sheffield, will manufacture key high-tech actuation components and systems, used in Boeings Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircraft, in-house.

The announcement comes just weeks after new AMRC partner McLaren Automotive revealed plans for a new chassis manufacturing facility in the Sheffield City Region.

The AMRC was co-founded by the University of Sheffield and Boeing in 2001 as a centre for collaborative research.

It has since grown to include more than 90 industrial partners from sectors such as aerospace, medical, automotive and construction, and has become a model worldwide in how to conduct collaborative research to develop new manufacturing techniques and technologies.

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 Boeings commitment to grow here, supporting the UKs long-term prosperity.

Professor Keith Ridgway, executive dean of the AMRC said: It has always been our ambition that one day Boeing would open a manufacturing facility in Sheffield.

This announcement is the culmination of a successful relationship that has developed since the AMRC with Boeing was founded 16 years ago.

We look forward to supporting Boeing and continuing to ensure that UK manufacturers remain competitive, through access to our expertise here at the AMRC.

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Aerospace giant Boeing announces plans to build first European factory in Sheffield - The Sun