Boeing (www.boeing.com/)— co-founder of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) — is to open a new manufacturing facility in Sheffield.

Boeing Sheffield will be located alongside the AMRC and will enable the company to bring in-house the manufacture of high-tech actuation components and systems used in its Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircraft, thereby enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.

As part of the plans for its new facility, Boeing will initiate an R&D programme with the AMRC to develop new manufacturing techniques.

Sir Michael Arthur, managing director of Boeing UK and Ireland, said: “The UK provides the talent and infrastructure we need to 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 Boeing’s commitment to grow here.”

Boeing Sheffield is expected to begin hiring new employees in 2018.

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.”