THE world’s largest aerospace company has partnered a Scots research group to announce an £11.8 million research programme.

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has teamed up with Boeing as part of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.

The research space is bigger than eight football pitches with an area built to advance the use of additive manufacturing in Scotland.

The programme will showcase innovative manufacturing processes and technologies related to metallic components.

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The team will be investigating reducing material wastage, as well as possibilities to improve safety, productivity and environmental impact.

This is one of the initial actions to come from the Boeing Scotland Alliance, which was set up between the two organisations to explore opportunities to work together in Scotland, with the aim of doubling Boeing’s supply chain in the country.

This could be worth tens of millions of pounds to the Scottish economy and could see 200 new quality jobs created over the next five years.

John Reid, the CEO of NMIS, said: “This facility is a significant step not only in the development of the NMIS, but also in bolstering the future of manufacturing across the country post lockdown.

“We are delighted to be bringing Boeing to Scotland at this time to work on such a critical project with our team and play a crucial role in developing the aerospace supply chain across the country for generations to come.”

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Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, said: “Manufacturing has a major role to play in helping to build the economic recovery in Scotland, and we are working hard to secure a successful, vibrant and diverse future for the sector.

“Innovation, research and development is vital to that, so I am delighted to see this partnership between Boeing and NMIS moving to the next level.

“By encouraging this kind of investment in Scotland, we can help to secure high-value jobs that will bring real value to the economy.”

Boeing has hired a team for the programme and it’s expected that the staff will be on-site later this year.