Spirit AeroSystems to build Scotland-based R&D Complex
The new facility’s efforts will focus on infusion processes for composites materials, part handling, assembly automation, rapid prototyping and virtual/augmented reality.
Spirit AeroSystems (Wichita, KS, US) announced on July 17 this year its intention to establish of a new research and development complex at its manufacturing site in Prestwick, Scotland. Innovation efforts will focus on infusion processes for composites materials, part handling, assembly automation, rapid prototyping and virtual/augmented reality.
Spirit AeroSystems’ Prestwick site manufactures metallic and composite wing components, such as the leading- and trailing-edges and spoilers for the Airbus (Toulouse, France) A320 commercial passenger aircraft family.
"The new facility will further enable our growth for industry-leading aerospace technologies and innovations," says Spirit’s president and CEO Tom Gentile.
The new center will include a training area and is expected to grow the company's existing research and development footprint in Prestwick from approximately 8,000 ft2 to a total of 70,000 ft2 (740m2 to 6,500m2). Construction reportedly will begin later this year, and the company hopes to open the facility in 2019.
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