A £63 million partnership between South Ayrshire Council, GE Aerospace and Scottish Enterprise will deliver a new advanced manufacturing facility at Prestwick, creating around 150 jobs and boosting the region’s aerospace cluster.

The purpose-built, 50,000 sq ft plant will be developed within the Prestwick Aerospace hub at the Shawfarm Industrial Estate, next to GE Aerospace's existing buildings, expanding the company's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) site. The project responds to surging global demand across Ayrshire's aviation cluster, recognised as a leading international MRO centre.

McLaughlin & Harvey will construct the facility. The scheme is expected to add approximately 150 jobs over the next five years, align local skills with future needs and further embed Prestwick within the wider aerospace supply chain.

Funding comprises £27 million from South Ayrshire Council on behalf of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, £30 million from GE Aerospace and £6 million from Scottish Enterprise.

The development sits within the Prestwick Proposition, a commercial build programme designed to accelerate growth in the aerospace sector by providing new, innovation-ready premises and strengthening infrastructure. It contributes to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, a £251 million, 10-year investment jointly supported by the UK and Scottish governments alongside local authorities.

Site Leader of GE Aerospace, Prestwick, Andy Prow said: "This investment reflects GE Aerospace's commitment to our customers and to the future of our Prestwick site. By expanding and modernising the facility with the help of South Ayrshire Council and partners, we are improving capacity, operational flow and readiness for future demand, while helping hire and train additional workers from the area."

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Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "This is a major milestone for the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which will significantly benefit South Ayrshire and the wider Scottish economy. The investment will retain high value skilled jobs within our local area and attract individuals to work in this prosperous sector, reinforcing Prestwick's position as a leading UK aerospace location. This long-term commitment also further demonstrates our dedication to provide attractive career opportunities for future generations within local STEM industries."

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Melanie Ward said: "With more than £18 million of UK Government funding we are unlocking private sector investment, boosting skilled jobs and helping drive good growth in every Scottish postcode."

"In total the UK Government is investing £32 million through the Ayrshire Growth Deal into the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster. This will help deliver a long-term future for Prestwick Airport, ensure the region is a leading UK hub for the sector and provide the next generation of Scottish engineers with a world-class career path right on their doorstep."

Scottish Government Deputy First Minister, Jenny Gilruth said: "This major expansion of GE Aerospace's operations at Prestwick is a real boost for the local economy, helping to create almost new 150 jobs.

"It is also a vote of confidence in Scotland's workforce, and our support for this expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to build on the strengths of our advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, as well as stressing the importance of the aerospace sector.

"Through our £103 million commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal, we will continue to work with partners to help transform and strengthen regional economic activity, creating good jobs and supporting growth in Scotland."

Managing Director, Investment & International at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said: "GE Aerospace's investment builds on decades of engineering expertise at Prestwick and the site's role within its global operations. By expanding capacity and enhancing productivity, it will strengthen the site's competitiveness, increase its already significant contribution to Scotland's exports and create new opportunities for skilled workers. It's a strong endorsement of the people, skills and capabilities that exist in Ayrshire, while reinforcing Scotland's reputation as an attractive destination for international investment in aerospace."