Prestwick-based Spirit AeroSystems has announced the creation of a new research and development complex at its manufacturing site.

Its innovation efforts will focus on infusion processes for composites materials, parts handling, assembly automation, rapid prototyping and virtual/augmented reality.

CEO Tom Gentile said: “The new facility will further enable our growth for industry-leading aerospace technologies and innovations. The next generation of aircraft doesn’t exist yet, and that’s what we’re concentrating on.

“Our engineers are inventing the future of flight.”

The new centre will include a training area and will boost the company’s R&D footprint in Prestwick from around 8,000 to 70,000ft².

Construction will begin later this year, and the company expects to begin operations at the site in 2019.

John Pilla, Spirit’s chief technology officer (www.spiritaero.com), said: “This innovation centre of excellence will feature the kind of specialised R&D work that we are known for.

“It’s another instance of Spirit’s unique capabilities that makes us the partner of choice for the world’s aerospace companies.”

Spirit AeroSystems is one of the largest manufacturers of aerostructures in the world, with design and build capabilities for both commercial and defence customers.

The Prestwick site manufactures metallic and composite wing components, such as the leading and trailing edges and spoilers for the Airbus A320 family.