Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Ltd (www.spiritaero.com)is to create more than 100 new jobs at its facility in Prestwick after winning a new contract to produce carbon wing components for the Airbus A320 aircraft.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the deal on a visit to the company’s facility at the end of last month, and she outlined an extra £45 million of funding support for innovation as part of a wider plan to boost jobs and growth. This is expected to unlock an additional £270 million in private-sector R&D expenditure.

Scottish Enterprise provided £2.1 million in R&D support to Spirit, which invested £18 million to secure the Airbus deal. The company will produce the ‘spoiler’ wing component for the Airbus A320 aircraft.

The First Minister also outlined plans to increase Scottish Government funding to businesses undertaking new R&D projects by 70% — from £22 million at present to £37 million, with an additional £45 million to be invested in innovation over the next three years.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Spirit AeroSystems is an excellent example of a company providing industry-leading expertise and investing in Scotland.

“It is significant that R&D grant support from Scottish Enterprise has helped the business win this important new Airbus contract.

“We need to not only embrace technological innovations but also ensure that economic growth is inclusive, so that everyone benefits and has a fair chance to contribute.

“In the coming weeks I will set out further plans for Scotland’s economy and how we can make further progress towards achieving both of these key aims.”

Linda Hanna, managing director of strategy and sectors at Scottish Enterprise, added: “I am delighted Spirit has won this key project for its Prestwick site.

“It’s a fantastic example of how Scotland’s expertise and capability in aerospace engineering and manufacturing is successfully competing on the global stage.”