A new aerospace facility is set to be built within the Prestwick Aerospace hub located at Shawfarm Industrial Estate in Prestwick, thanks to partnership working between South Ayrshire Council, GE Aerospace and Scottish Enterprise.
Located in the heart of Ayrshire’s growing aviation cluster, Prestwick is recognised as a global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub, with companies in the area now facing significant demand to meet unprecedented growth in the aerospace sector.
In response to these demands, a new 50,000 square foot advanced manufacturing aerospace facility, constructed by McLaughlin & Harvey, will be situated adjacent to existing buildings at GE Aerospace, expanding its’ MRO site.
The development will strengthen the local economy by committing to creating approximately 150 jobs over 5 years, meeting future skills needs and reinforcing the site within the wider aerospace supply chain. This significant investment is supported by £27 million from South Ayrshire Council on behalf of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, £30 million from GE Aerospace, and £6 million from Scottish Enterprise.
This project is part of the Prestwick Proposition, a commercial build programme which aims to accelerate growth within the aerospace sector. By providing new commercial spaces which strengthen infrastructure and support innovation, Ayrshire is building on its reputation as a competitive hub for high value manufacturing and global aerospace investment.
The Prestwick Proposition is part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal - a £251 million investment over 10 years jointly supported by the UK and Scottish governments, alongside local authorities.
Site Leader of GE Aerospace, Prestwick, Andy Prow said: “This investment reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to our customers and to the future of our Prestwick site. By expanding and modernising the facility with the help of South Ayrshire Council and partners, we are improving capacity, operational flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and train additional workers from the area.”
Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “This is a major milestone for the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which will significantly benefit South Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy. The investment will retain high value skilled jobs within our local area and attract individuals to work in this prosperous sector, reinforcing Prestwick’s position as a leading UK aerospace location. This long-term commitment also further demonstrates our dedication to provide attractive career opportunities for future generations within local STEM industries.”
Scottish Government Deputy First Minister, Jenny Gilruth said: “This major expansion of GE Aerospace’s operations at Prestwick is a real boost for the local economy, helping to create almost new 150 jobs.
“It is also a vote of confidence in Scotland’s workforce, and our support for this expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to build on the strengths of our advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, as well as stressing the importance of the aerospace sector.
“Through our £103 million commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, we will continue to work with partners to help transform and strengthen regional economic activity, creating good jobs and supporting growth in Scotland.”