US-based Spirit AeroSystems has become a member of the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) in Glasgow.

The AFRC is one of the UK’s leading research institutions, concentrating on innovation and breakthrough technologies in manufacturing.

Sean Black, Spirit AeroSystems vice-president (R&D), said: “On top of developing and accessing emerging technologies, this collaboration will give Spirit an incredible opportunity to tap into the university’s student and post-graduate talent pool to directly contribute to the design and manufacture of next-generation wing and fuselage structures.”

Spirit’s (www.spiritaero.com) membership follows a number of collaborative projects involving the two organisations and the wider University of Strathclyde community.

John Pilla, chief technology and quality officer, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the AFRC and increase our exposure to innovative manufacturing techniques and processes.

“This will strengthen our ability to lead the way in the future of flight.”

This relationship with the AFRC underpins Spirit’s investment in a new 70,000ft² Aerospace Innovation Centre at its manufacturing site in Prestwick, due to open in 2020.

Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerostructures, 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 for the Airbus A320 family, as well as wing structures for the Boeing 767 and the Airbus A350.