Delivering jobs and growth in Ayrshire
Investment support backs major expansion in Prestwick.
Around 150 skilled jobs will be created in Ayrshire supported by a £14 million joint investment package from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise for GE Aerospace's expansion in Prestwick.
The project, supported through the Ayrshire Growth Deal and delivered by South Ayrshire Council, will see GE Aerospace expand its engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations and establish a new facility at its Prestwick site.
The Scottish Government is contributing £8 million through the Ayrshire Growth Deal, alongside a planned £6 million investment from Scottish Enterprise, with wider support from the UK Government and South Ayrshire Council through the Deal.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth welcomed the investment during a visit to the Prestwick facility. Ms Gilruth said:
"GE Aerospace's decision to expand its operations in Prestwick is a major vote of confidence in Scotland, our workforce and our aerospace sector.
"This investment will create a substantial number of skilled jobs, strengthen Scotland's position as a leading centre for aerospace engineering, and help secure long-term growth at one of our most important aerospace clusters.
"The Scottish Government has been able to support this expansion through £8 million of Ayrshire Growth Deal funding. Together with Scottish Enterprise's planned investment, Scotland is providing £14 million towards a project that will deliver economic benefits well beyond the site itself.
"Prestwick is one of Scotland's most significant aerospace assets, bringing together world-leading businesses with a highly skilled workforce and a long tradition of engineering excellence.
"This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together with a shared focus on economic growth, investment and job creation.
"Our continued commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal is helping to create jobs, attract investment and strengthen the regional economy, while supporting Scotland's long-term economic growth."
Andy Prow, Site Leader, GE Aerospace in Prestwick said:
“This investment reflects GE Aerospace’s commitment to our customers and to the future of our Prestwick site. By expanding and modernising the facility with the help of the Scottish Government and partners, we are improving capacity, operational flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and train additional workers from the area.”
Background
GE Aerospace is a significant employer and industrial investor in the UK, with capabilities spanning manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul, research and development, and advanced aerospace systems. The Prestwick site is an important part of this footprint, supporting engine services capability in Scotland and the wider UK, European and global aerospace sector.
Total investment in the expansion is broken down as follows:
- GE Aerospace - £30 million
- UK Government (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £18 million
- Scottish Government (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £8 million
- Scottish Enterprise - planned investment of £6 million
- South Ayrshire Council (via Ayrshire Growth Deal) - £1 million