Spirit AeroSystems new paint and finishing center has been officially opened in Prestwick.

Supported by a Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance grant of £450,000 ($554,051), the investment will also safeguard 75 jobs. The company has also recently been awarded a £1m (approximately $1.2M) Scottish Enterprise Training Aid grant which supports the creation of 16 new jobs and safeguards 52.

“This new finishing center allows us to better meet the needs of our customers as production rates increase for single aisle aircraft,” said Scott McLarty, Spirit VP of UK and Malaysia. “We are grateful for the investment by Scottish Enterprise and their partnership with us. This finishing center improves our competitiveness as a world-class manufacturer and presents us with new opportunities to continually improve the quality products we deliver for our customers.”

Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds large aerostructures, including fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, for both commercial and defense programs. From its facilities at Prestwick, its operation is known as Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Limited. Spirit Europe is one of the largest airframe suppliers to Airbus and is a key supplier of major wing structures. Spirit Europe also produces wing structures for Boeing programs.

“Aerospace is one of our highest value sectors, playing a vital role in Scotland's economy,” said Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown. “That is why I am delighted to welcome Spirit's latest £5m investment in the facility, underlining the achievements of the team and showing real commitment to developing the workforce and operations in Prestwick. I am sure this will see the company continue to go from strength to strength, increasing efficiency and competitiveness and opening up new markets. I wish the Spirit team every success moving forward.”