Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, was welcomed by the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) during a visit to showcase its developments in the UK’s global leadership in sustainable aviation.
The Chancellor visited the Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) facility, which was announced as part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, as well as a major new manufacturing facility within Factory 2050 that will produce prototype modules for modular reactors as part of a multi-million-pound partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR.
The facility is posed as one of the North of England’s largest ever research and innovation projects, focusing on a landmark research programme with long-standing partner Boeing.
The Chancellor celebrated the facilities and the University of Sheffield's commitment to working in lockstep with industry to advance the UK’s position as a clean energy superpower, while creating jobs and boosting economic growth both regionally and nationally.
Rachel Reeves said: “It was fantastic to visit the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre…and see first-hand how South Yorkshire is leading the way in cutting-edge innovation.
"The partnerships here between world-class researchers and global companies like Boeing, Rolls-Royce and McLaren show exactly why we're backing advanced manufacturing through our modern Industrial Strategy.
"This region has unique strengths that we're determined to build on. That's why we're working with local leaders and businesses to ensure the benefits of growth are felt right across the North”
COMPASS is set to deliver the technological breakthroughs required to produce lightweight aerostructures at scale, making aircraft production faster, more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
