Prime Minister David Cameron has opened Williams' new Advanced Engineering facility in Oxfordshire.
The 3,800 sq m building is located on the same site as the Williams Formula One team and is the result of £8m investment by Williams over the last two years.
The R&D facility features a workshop with Formula One-inspired build bays, which can be used for one-off projects or low-volume production. The facility will accommodate up to 250 design engineers and feature a number of confidential rooms where projects can be worked on in complete secrecy.
The aim of Williams Advanced Engineering is to use the technology, expertise and rapid development skills honed in Formula One to deliver cutting edge technology solutions to the automotive, motorsport, transport and energy sectors. The company specialises in delivering energy efficient performance for its clients and does this in four key areas: hybrid power systems and electronics, dynamics, advanced lightweight materials and cutting edge aerodynamics.
Cameron said: "Formula One is a world beating, hi-tech industry and I am very proud that Britain and British engineers and designers play such a key role within it.
"Williams opening their Advanced Engineering facility in Oxfordshire is great news for the local area and a vote of confidence in our long-term economic plan to back business, create jobs and secure a better future for Britain."