Boeing plans to boost supply chain in Scotland

The new strategic agreement was signed with Scottish Enterprise, Scotland's national economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government.

The alliance will focus initially on sectors like space, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies. It is expected to create significant new opportunities for Scottish companies, universities and regions across Scotland.

Related: Boeing meets UK aerospace firms to boost supply chain links

“This is a blueprint for Boeing working with suppliers and universities in Scotland, harnessing and contributing to the deep expertise already here in advanced manufacturing,” said Sir Martin Donnelly, president of Boeing Europe and managing director of Boeing UK and Ireland.

He added: “Boeing is proud to keep developing new investments and relationships across the UK in our ever-growing partnership. This follows our £100 million joint investment in RAF facilities in Moray. We look forward to new partnerships to come, building on the strength of the impressive Scottish aviation supply chain and excellence in high-tech research.”

The alliance will also explore joint sustainability initiatives within the aviation sector, which support Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy by 2045, and innovations in developing new solutions to reduce carbon emissions and developing a more circular economy.

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“This strategic alliance with Boeing creates opportunities for companies, universities, colleges and employment across Scotland,” said Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for economy, fair work and culture. “It is a strong endorsement of public sector collaboration, building high value supply chain relationships and embracing academic excellence to deliver for industry.”

One of the initial activities to support this new alliance is an £11.8 million R&D project, supported by £3.5 million of R&D funding from Scottish Enterprise. Boeing is establishing an R&D team in Scotland, aligned to the project, which will look at metallic component manufacturing as the basis for future aircraft components.

Through this project, Boeing also becomes one of the first customers of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

NMIS is a £65 million, industry-led international centre of manufacturing expertise operated by the University of Strathclyde as a national facility for Scotland.

Boeing www.boeing.co.uk