Rolls-Royce’s £150m civil aerospace backing for Brexit Britain

The aero engine maker will spend £150million over the next few years on new and existing civil aerospace facilities which will protect more than 7,000 jobs across the East Midlands.

The investment will support Rolls’ planned doubling of engine production to deliver on its record civil aerospace order book.

The FTSE 100 company, which employs 22,300 people around the country, will spend £90million on building a new testing facility for jet engines in Derby, creating up to 200 jobs.

This test centre will be large enough to put a range of engines through their paces, including the Trent XWB that powers the Airbus A350 XWB and is the world’s fastest-selling large civil engine.

More than 1,600 are on order from 45 customers in 31 countries.

It also assembles the Trent 700 engines for the Airbus A330 and Trent 900 engines for the Airbus A380 in Derby.

Rolls will retain a precision machinery plant in Derby previously earmarked for closure, preserving about 150 jobs, and invest in manufacturing in Derby and Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.

Its civil aerospace president, Eric Schulz, said: “This investment comes at a time of unprecedented growth in Rolls-Royce. “We are doubling the production of new engines at the same time as introducing three new engines.

“With this investment we are creating the capacity and flexibility to deliver on our goals while committing to sustain employment in the UK. I would like to thank the unions for their support in delivering this important package of investment.”

Business Secretary Greg Clark hailed the vote of confi dence in the UK economy and the boost for Rolls’ domestic suppliers.

Rolls’ share price has powered ahead by more than a third this year as it continues its turnaround under chief executive Warren East.

The former Arm Holdings boss took charge two years ago following a string of profit warnings.