Groundbreaking ceremony held for Boeing’s first European production facility

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for Boeing’s new production facility in Sheffield, a project on which Mott MacDonald is providing multidisciplinary engineering services. The facility will be Boeing’s first factory in Europe. 

Boeing’s plans for the facility include a 6,200 sq m manufacturing building at Sheffield Business Park, which will produce actuation system components for their Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aeroplanes. Once operational, the plant will create highly-skilled jobs, including opportunities for a new generation of apprentices, as well as provide south Yorkshire businesses with new supply chain opportunities.

Mott MacDonald is delivering civil and structural engineering, building services design and specialist acoustic services on the project, as well as providing sustainability and BREEAM advice. The consultancy is also working closely with D5 Architects, the project architect, to develop the building’s striking sawtooth roof form, which is designed to optimise energy efficiency by maximising natural light into the building and allowing for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on the south-facing façade.

Ian Besford, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “We are delighted to be working with Boeing on this high-tech development. This new facility will be a striking addition to the business park, which will utilise the latest advanced manufacturing techniques developed in Sheffield to enhance Boeing’s production efficiency.”

“This project reinforces Sheffield’s credentials as a leading area for advanced manufacturing and creates fantastic opportunities for both local companies and employees to showcase the quality that the city can offer.”

Construction of the new manufacturing facility is due to be completed by the end of 2018.