Boeing has selected UK-based companies to supply the raw materials needed by its new Sheffield factory (set to open later this month) to make components for 737 and 777 passenger jets.

This is Boeing’s first European venture; it will produce 7,000 actuation system components each month, to be shipped for assembly in Boeing’s Portland (Oregon) plant in the USA.

Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing UK and Ireland, said: “In Sheffield, we have an excellent local supply chain.

"Boeing is sourcing from these established companies because of their high-quality manufacturing capability and talented people.”

Worcester-based Aeromet International Ltd will supply Boeing Sheffield with high-strength, complex and multi-core aluminium cast parts.

Vardhan Rajkumar, Aeromet’s chairman, said: “This new contract is an exciting development in our long-term relationship with Boeing; it is testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce.”

Sheffield-based Maher — a first-time supplier to Boeing — will supply bespoke steel bar and pre-machined components (made of UK-sourced steel from Liberty Speciality Steels) from its facility three miles from Boeing Sheffield.

Sheffield-based MetLase Ltd, a joint-venture between Rolls-Royce and Unipart, has been chosen to be Boeing Sheffield’s tooling and fixturing partner.

Managing director Stephen Dunn said: “The long-term agreement with Boeing marks a new chapter for MetLase.

“It will enable us to become an integral part of Boeing’s future plans to develop intelligent and connected fixturing and tooling solutions, using the MetLase technology.”

Meanwhile, Redditch-based Mettis Aerospace Ltd will supply Boeing Sheffield with steel alloy precision-forged components.

CEO Gordon Fraser said: “We’re proud to be extending our relationship with the company and to be part of this great venture.”

Boeing (www.boeing.com) has already announced a technical partnership with Rotherham-based Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd to provide high-precision tool-holders, cutting tools and tool pre-setting solutions.