The facility is the first to be built in Europe for aerospace giant Boeing, who chose Sheffield based on its longstanding partnership with the AMRC, its workforce and investment in research, training and development.
The R&D programme Boeing has embarked upon with the assistance of the AMRC is developing the new manufacturing techniques that will enhance production efficiency and reduce costs whilst maintaining quality.
Head of the AMRC Machining Group, Matt Farnsworth, said the visit was a great opportunity for the team to see the R&D programme in action and showcase its successes and goals for the next 18 months, in which the AMRC will continue to support Boeing Sheffield as the manufacturing processes are embedded and matured on site.
The visiting party saw demonstrations of the manufacturing processes and technologies being developed and met with some of the team that will make up the core of Boeing Sheffield’s staff.
James Needham, senior manager of operations for Boeing Sheffield will work closely with Hyem and his team when Boeing Sheffield opens later this year: “It’s great to host the Boeing team at the AMRC; they have been keen to come and see the research work that is underway and understand how the AMRC model of collaborative industry and academic research is so successful.
“The AMRC are maturing the technology and manufacturing processes that will underpin operations in Boeing Sheffield and the AMRC will be able to support Boeing’s ambitions to expand in-house production selective technologies.”
Hyem added: “Witnessing the research and development programme here at the AMRC that will support Boeing in-house production gives me great confidence that we will be executing a successful plan with Boeing Sheffield, as operations get underway when it opens later this year.
“It was inspiring to meet with some of the team that will form the core of Boeing Sheffield, especially our apprentices; and see their level of capability and passion for the job. It’s been a pleasure to be here at the AMRC and see the work being done.”
