28 February 2020

The key role of research and innovation was emphasised when the First Minister opened a major manufacturing facility in Prestwick.

The SpiritAerosystems site will produce spoiler wing components for Airbus’ A320 aircraft using leading edge automation technology, creating more than 100 jobs and helping secure the long term future of aerospace production in the area.

Significantly, the project involves the first commercial use in the UK aerospace sector of a new, lightweight composite material which will reduce emissions and lower costs, key priorities for the aviation industry.

The technology has been taken into full production by Spirit AeroSystems, backed by funding from Scottish Enterprise.

The First Minister said:

Spirit AeroSystems exemplifies how investment in research and development drives innovation and creates high quality jobs.

This opening provides Prestwick with a world class composite manufacturing facility and increases Spirit’s ability to secure additional work on the next generation of greener aircraft.

Our vision is for a Scotland where innovation is an intrinsic part of the economy and culture. The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets for growing business expenditure on research and development to ensure we are ready to meet the global challenges ahead.”

"Today's opening is an important and historic event for Spirit, Ayrshire and Scottish manufacturing. It is a further milestone in this facility's proud history and points the way towards many more years of success." @NicolaSturgeon #RTMspoilergrandopening pic.twitter.com/ApS1hOODmB

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 28, 2020