Boeing to make £20m investment in Sheffield for first British manufacturing plant

Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, is set to open a new multi-million pound manufacturing plant in Sheffield.

Sheffield City Region’s new partnership with Boeing will bring new jobs and provide the region’s businesses with new supply chain opportunities, subject to contract agreement.

Boeing, subject to planning permission, plans to build its first factory in Europe alongside The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre with Boeing (AMRC).

This announcement comes just a fortnight after supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive announced a move to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), between Sheffield and Rotherham.

Recruitment for the proposed 2,300-square-metre Boeing Sheffield facility is anticipated to begin from late 2018, after a planned Boeing investment of more than £20m into the site.

Boeing Sheffield will manufacture actuation systems – used on aeroplane wings – for Boeing’s Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircraft.

In bringing this project to the region, SCR has worked with The University of Sheffield’s AMRC with Boeing.

Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is fantastic news for the region and a major vote of confidence in our ability to combine R&D expertise with actually making things.

“This investment will play to the strengths of our supply chain and skilled workforce and I am delighted that such a highly respected world leader as Boeing recognised this.”

Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and economy at Sheffield City Council, added: “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.”

“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,” said 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.”