Aviation giant Boeing was today confirmed as the anchor company to pioneer a trailblazing £15m research centre developing metals and other materials for the aerospace industry on a major new site in South Yorkshire.

Potentially at least six other household-name companies could eventually join the the advanced aerospace manufacturing research centre leading to the creation of thousands of jobs. The top-level centre will initially be on 20 acres on the Waverley site on the outskirts of Sheffield. But another 80 acres has also been reserved for future expansion. It is hoped 7000 jobs will result over five years.

Project backers believe the high level research centre should also develop into manufacturing, mainly for the aerospace industry but branching into other areas such as high-tech products for the medical equipment industry. Today trade minister Richard Caborn described the plan as keeping Sheffield in the forefront of a new breakthrough as it was in the development of steel.

Mr Caborn said: "The site is close to where Brearly developed stainless steel. I think he would be very proud of what we are doing in keeping Sheffield at the leading edge of the technology of materials." Sheffield council leader Peter Moore said: "It's exactly the sort of jobs we need in this area. I have no doubt that this will provide employment for people from Sheffield as well as the rest of South Yorkshire. I am looking forward to continuing good news on the employment front."

Boeing was attracted to South Yorkshire by the University of Sheffield's world class Engineering Faculty, and its multidisciplinary approach to solving manufacturing problems. Professor Bob Boucher, Vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield said:

"We are delighted that the University of Sheffield has been chosen to be the focus of a multi-million pound research investment in advanced materials technology. The project builds on our long standing expertise in metals and cutting technology, which are integral to the aerospace and many other industries. Boeing's commitment to the Research Centre will provide added impetus to the Advanced Manufacturing Park. This illustrates how a leading university such as the University of Sheffield can act as a magnet for regional development."

Philip M Condit, Chairman and CEO of the Boeing Company added:

"We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Britain by collaborating on this important project, which will stimulate value-added research for all of the partners."

Source Publication: Sheffield Star. 31st January 2001
Last updated: 08/06/01 14:03:00