Boeing, the world’s largest plane maker, has opened its first European manufacturing site in Sheffield.
The company will make components for 737 and 767 passenger jets at the new UK operation, with plans to produce thousands of parts each month which will be shipped to the US for assembly.
Boeing said the factory had created 52 new jobs, which includes experienced mechanics, engineers and over 20 apprentices.
The company has invested more than £40m in the facility.
The group said it was partnering with 13 UK-based suppliers for its expansion, including Aeromet International, Maher, and Liberty Speciality Steels.
Jenette Ramos, 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.”
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.”
