350 new Rotherham jobs as Rolls Royce expands

ROLLS Royce is ready roll out its commitment in Rotherham\_with two new factories expected to bring 350 jobs.

The company carried out a nationwide assessment of suitable sites before plumping for a 44,000-sq metre extension at Catcliffe’s Advanced Manufacturing Park.

One factory, dubbed the Advanced Blade Casting Facility, would make turbine blades used in the high power compressors inside jet engines, where temperatures reach more than 1,900 deg C.

The second factory called "Project PoWer" would be dedicated to making safety critical components for power stations.

Plans for a third, smaller factory, which could house one of Rolls Royce’s suppliers, are also now with Rotherham Borough Council planners.

AMP Project Team member Andrew Nettleton said that the extra factories would be a great boost to the technology centre and the wider Rotherham area.

He added: “We are pleased that Rolls-Royce has submitted the planning applications for their proposed facilities at the AMP.

“We believe this news will further increase interest in the AMP from similar companies who see the Park as an ideal location for their advanced manufacturing and research and development activities.”

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane said: “I hope this gets the green light to strengthen Rotherham’s manufacturing base, which with world-beating firms like Tata Steel and AES Seals, holds great promise for the future.

“I’ve had meetings with the trade secretary Vince Cable to underline the importance of the AMP facility and the need for national Government backing.

“I also hope this development will merge with the work of Sheffield University and fellow South Yorkshire MPs to get a comprehensive apprentice and university-level training scheme up and running at Catcliffe.

“Despite difficult national and global economic transitions Rotherham must take a national lead in showing how manufacturing and industry has a future in 21st century Britain.”

The AMP’s technology centre already houses a Rolls Royce research and development facility, helping to create simple and specialised aerospace fixtures, tooling and test rigs.

Two years ago the company announced plans to expand its UK manufacturing capability by building new premises.

Andrew Denniff, executive director of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Rolls Royce are a company of worldwide renown and to have them moving to the AMP in Rotherham is extremely exciting.

“This is a major investment opportunity for the region and I would hope that their planning application is approved and confirmed as quickly as possible.”

Rolls Royce is a major partner in the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and will also be a major partner in the new Nuclear AMRC.

Consultation ends on August 25 and a decision is expected to be made in November.