Rolls-Royce announces major upgrade to Rotherham facility

The Advanced Blade Casting Facility in Rotherham

Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3 million investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The total of £21.3 million is funding an increase in the capability and productivity of the facility, which manufactures some of the world’s most advanced turbine blades for Rolls-Royce jet engines that power long-haul aircraft. Additional specialist machines funded by the investment will double output at the facility by 2030.

Nigel Bird, executive vice president of turbine systems at Rolls-Royce, said: “We are grateful to South Yorkshire’s Mayor for his support. It is a clear example of how regional government can generate confidence for private sector investment, helping to retain and expand this type of unique UK capability, and supporting UK exports.

Thanks to Rolls-Royce’s ongoing transformation we are able to make this investment, which will bring benefits to the region and our customers. Our incredible team in Rotherham are making components every day that are pushing the boundaries of science. This investment is a vote of confidence in them and in the capability of the wider region to stay at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. We look forward to future collaboration that will help keep these valuable skills in the community.”

Unlocking growth
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I am proud that our support will help to unlock growth, keep cutting‑edge manufacturing here in South Yorkshire and further strengthen our role at the heart of the UK’s advanced manufacturing industry.”

ABCF casts, machines and inspects intermediate and high pressure turbine blades for the Trent XWB-84 which powers the Airbus A350-900 and the Trent 1000 XE, which powers the Boeing 787. Each high pressure turbine blade generates the power of a Formula One car, with between 60 and 90 inside each engine to provide enough thrust to propel some of the largest and most efficient aircraft into the sky.

The ABCF, opened in 2015, employs more than 300 people, largely from the local area, and forms part of the world-class UK advanced manufacturing capability for Rolls-Royce and is part supported by a complex global supply chain.