News: Rolls-Royce progress Rotherham plans

Rolls-Royce, one of the most famous names in engineering throughout the world, is preparing plans for new advanced manufacturing facilities in Rotherham that could create several hundred jobs.

The proposed facilities are planned to be located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, enhancing the park's global reputation for engineering, innovation, research and manufacturing excellence.

In 2009, Rolls-Royce announced that it was to make a multi million pound investment in the region as part of the UK Government's civil nuclear package.

Following a nationwide assessment of suitable sites, Rolls-Royce has chosen the AMP, as its favoured location for two factories; one an advanced casting facility manufacturing aero engine turbine blades, and the other specialising in the manufacture of large components for power stations. A third, smaller factory is also proposed, which could house one of Rolls-Royce's suppliers.

Rolls-Royce expects to submit a planning application for their proposals to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council later this year and are undertaking public consultation with local residents and neighbouring businesses.

Tim O'Connell, Business Development Manager at Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), said: "We are pleased that Rolls Royce are considering the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) for their proposed facilities, and look forward to receiving their planning application at the appropriate time.

"Rotherham has a long, and continuing history of been home to leading advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, and it is great that a world-class company such as Rolls Royce recognises the benefits of locating some of their manufacturing facilities into the borough."

Thea Stein, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Forward, added: "It was always envisaged by Yorkshire Forward that the AMP would become the UK's premier advanced manufacturing technology park, providing world-class advanced manufacturing technology solutions and attracting globally significant research and manufacturing organisations. This has largely already been achieved during the past ten years, but the addition of the proposed Rolls Royce facilities at the AMP will further cement its reputation and ensure Yorkshire and Humber is at the forefront of the world's precision manufacturing industries."

Rolls-Royce already has a presence on the AMP, giving their name to the Factory of the Future at University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing. They are also the lead industrial partner of The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, currently under construction and set to open in September. The AMP Technology Centre already houses a Rolls-Royce R&D facility.

Rolls-Royce performed well in 2010. The order book grew in the period to a record £59.2bn. Underlying revenues rose to £10.9bn and underlying profit increased to £955m.

Rolls-Royce website
AMP website

Images: Rolls-Royce