Spirit AeroSystems opens aerospace innovation centre in Scotland

Spirit AeroSystems has opened its state-of-the-art Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland.

The AIC has been established as a centre of excellence for the research and development of advanced materials, digital manufacturing technologies and processes, where Spirit Europe will collaborate with industry and academic partners to innovate, train and develop skills for today and tomorrow.

Scott McLarty, senior vice-president and general manager - Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, commented: “For true innovation to occur, we need a diverse range of ideas and collaboration from a number of areas across the spectrum of research and development. As one of the UK’s leading Aerospace companies, Spirit Europe is proud to establish a collaborative space where we, with our partners in industry and education, will work together to develop new technologies that are competitive and sustainable for aerospace platforms of the future. Today, we are another step closer to achieving our ambition to become a diversified design and manufacturing champion."

The 90,000ft² innovation centre on the Spirit Europe campus in Prestwick is capable of manufacturing components of up to 20m in length. It features 55,000ft² of manufacturing space, a materials lab, and office and conference space to accommodate over 200 people.

Spirit Europe’s investment of circa £25 million, together with almost £5 million grant funding from Scottish Enterprise, will help advance technologies and capabilities to develop next-generation aerostructures.

The AIC is already facilitating more than 20 industry and academic collaborations, working to deliver Spirit Europe’s and its partners’ ambitions.

www.spiritaero.com