- Investment support backs major expansion in Prestwick
Around 150 skilled jobs will be created in Ayrshire supported by
a £14 million joint investment package from the Scottish
Government and Scottish Enterprise for GE Aerospace's expansion
in Prestwick.
The project, supported through the Ayrshire Growth Deal and
delivered by South Ayrshire Council, will see GE Aerospace expand
its engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations and
establish a new facility at its Prestwick site.
The Scottish Government is contributing £8 million through the
Ayrshire Growth Deal, alongside a planned £6 million investment
from Scottish Enterprise, with wider support from the UK
Government and South Ayrshire Council through the Deal.
Deputy First Minister welcomed the investment
during a visit to the Prestwick facility. Ms Gilruth said:
"GE Aerospace's decision to expand its operations in Prestwick is
a major vote of confidence in Scotland, our workforce and our
aerospace sector.
"This investment will create a substantial number of skilled
jobs, strengthen Scotland's position as a leading centre for
aerospace engineering, and help secure long-term growth at one of
our most important aerospace clusters.
"The Scottish Government has been able to support this expansion
through £8 million of Ayrshire Growth Deal funding. Together with
Scottish Enterprise's planned investment, Scotland is providing
£14 million towards a project that will deliver economic benefits
well beyond the site itself.
"Prestwick is one of Scotland's most significant aerospace
assets, bringing together world-leading businesses with a highly
skilled workforce and a long tradition of engineering excellence.
"This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when the
public and private sectors work together with a shared focus on
economic growth, investment and job creation.
"Our continued commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal is helping
to create jobs, attract investment and strengthen the regional
economy, while supporting Scotland's long-term economic growth."
Andy Prow, Site Leader, GE Aerospace in Prestwick 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 the Scottish
Government and partners, we are improving capacity, operational
flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and
train additional workers from the area.
Background
GE Aerospace is a significant employer and industrial investor in
the UK, with capabilities spanning manufacturing, engineering,
maintenance, repair and overhaul, research and development, and
advanced aerospace systems. The Prestwick site is an important
part of this footprint, supporting engine services capability in
Scotland and the wider UK, European and global aerospace sector.
Total investment in the expansion is broken down as
follows:
- GE Aerospace - £30 million
- UK Government (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £18 million
- Scottish Government (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £8 million
- Scottish Enterprise - planned investment of £6 million
- South Ayrshire Council (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £1
million
