The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
£5m Scottish investment in aerospace innovation
The Scottish Government is to invest almost £5 million in an aerospace innovation centre.
The Spirit Aero Systems open access centre in Prestwick will focus on technology and development of the next generation of aircraft, the US company said.
The £4.8m investment will create 40 jobs and enable further growth over the next decade, the Scottish Government said.
The grant will provide Spirit with “state-of-the-art research and development facilities” and give access to other companies undertaking their own research and development, either independently or in collaboration with Spirit.
It follows initial £2.1m funding for Spirit last year.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the latest funding on a visit to the manufacturing site in the South Ayrshire town yesterday.
But the Scottish Greens said it was unacceptable for the government to invest in a company involved in the manufacture of military aircraft around the world.
The company’s website lists defence projects including modifying commercial aircraft for military use.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Research and development drives innovation and economic growth so it’s great to be back here to see that additional support helping not just Spirit, but also companies across Scotland develop new products.”
Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said it was a “truly transformational project”, adding: “The creation of the open access Aerospace Innovation Centre at Prestwick will help cement Scotland’s position as a global centre of aerospace excellence.”