South Yorkshire at heart of 'new Industrial Revolution' after landing £20 million Boeing factory deal

Aerospace giant Boeing's decision to build its first ever European factory locally puts South Yorkshire at the heart of a "new Industrial Revolution."
A Boeing plane.A Boeing plane.
A Boeing plane.

That is the bold claim by Professor Sir Keith Burnett, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, who added that landing the £20 million deal was a major triumph for the region.

Boeing Sheffield will make hi-tech components for aircraft in a plant beside the Parkway next to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which works in collaboration with the university, at Waverley, on the Sheffield-Rotherham border.

Sir Keith Burnett.Sir Keith Burnett.
Sir Keith Burnett.
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Prof Burnett said: “This is hugely important, not only for our region and the North of England, but also the UK's global industrial ambitions in high-productivity, high-value manufacturing. Areas such as Sheffield can play a crucial role in a new Industrial Revolution for the UK – one centred on science and innovation, but working hand-in-hand with industry.

"I am deeply proud that leading global companies recognise that Made in Sheffield still remains a hallmark of quality."

The deal comes just weeks after supercar company McLaren announced plans for a £50m factory and 200 jobs in the area.

Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing Europe, said: “We are proud to expand our relationship with the UK still further with Boeing Sheffield. Our decision to start manufacturing high-value components in the UK is a step-change in our engagement and a further example of Boeing’s commitment to grow here, supporting the UK’s long-term prosperity.”

The company was a founding partner of the AMRC, part of the University of Sheffield, in 2001.