Business Secretary opens new £30m production facility

Yesterday marked the official opening of Bondholder Rolls-Royce's £30m Production Facility extension to its Derby Assembly & Test Facility with a ceremony conducted by Business Secretary Sajid Javid. The news comes as new CEO Warren East presents his update on review of operations to the city today.

Mr East said: 'My review has underpinned my confidence about the opportunities before us and I am convinced that our long-term outlook is positive.'

The new 2867 metre-squared extension will increase capacity to assemble Trent civil aero engines and become the production hub for the Trent XWB – the world's most efficient large aero engine and the fastest-selling widebody engine in history.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'The opening is great news for the company, its workforce, and the UK. Aerospace is a great British success story. I want to capitalise on our world-leading capability so that we can win a big share of the £3.5 trillion market for new aircraft which will be needed over the next 20 years.'

Bondholder Rolls-Royce has installed new equipment and is making use of advanced manufacturing processes helping to boost productivity in order to meet customer demand. Over the next two to three years, Trent XWB production will grow to more than 300 engines per year. The engine is expected to be in service for many years, creating an annuity of aftermarket services that will generate revenues for decades to come.

Warren East added: 'It was a great pleasure to welcome the Business Secretary to open our new Production Facility extension. We are transforming our global industrial base and investing in innovative technology to help us deliver our record £76.5 billion order book. Our world-class Assembly & Test Facility in Derby will deliver a wide range of Trent civil aero engines including the Trent XWB. The Trent XWB engine is fundamental to the future growth of Rolls-Royce.'