Boeing has opened its first European manufacturing site in Sheffield.
The world’s largest planemaker opened the £40 million plant with attempts to prove the firm’s commitment “to UK prosperity”.
The new manufacturing site will make components for 737 and 767 passenger jets, which will be shipped to the US.
Jenette Ramos, who is the Boeing senior vice president of manufacturing, supply chain and operations, said: “We appreciate all the community support for Boeing’s new advanced manufacturing factory in the UK. This is a fabulous example of how we are engaging global talent to provide greater value to our customers.”
“In Boeing Sheffield, we are building on longstanding relationships and the region’s manufacturing expertise to enhance our production system and continue to connect, protect, explore and inspire aerospace innovation.”
The opening of the new factory has created 52 new jobs.
James Needham, the operations manager at Boeing Sheffield, commented: “Today’s about celebrating the milestone we’ve achieved in opening our factory.”
“We have a tough challenge ahead to make the parts and hit the ferocious rate we need to achieve to keep these commercial airplanes flying us all on holiday next summer.”
Greg Clark, the secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, said: “Boeing choosing the heart of South Yorkshire as its first European home is testament to our capabilities, talent pool and strong manufacturing supply chains which are vital to job creation and creating value for local economies.”
In 2015, the government committed to spending £3.9 billion in order to further transform aerospace research and manufacturing until 2026.
Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said that the opening of the factory was “excellent news”.
“Boeing’s choice of location is a strong sign of confidence in our advanced engineering excellence, confidence in our workforce and strong manufacturing heritage, and confidence in the cutting-edge collaborations between university and business that enable us to lead the world,” he added.
Shares in the group (NYSE: BA) are trading +1.92% (1614GMT).
