A £5m finishing centre that will supply parts to Airbus and Boeing for their aircraft has been opened near Prestwick Airport.

The Spirit AeroSystems centre was opened yesterday by Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Secretary Keith Brown.

Supported by a Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance grant of £450,000, the investment will also safeguard 75 jobs. Spirit AeroSystems has also recently been awarded a £1m Scottish Enterprise Training Aid grant which supports the creation of 16 new jobs and safeguards 52.

The company designs and builds large aerostructures, including fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, for both commercial and defence programmes. It is one of the largest airframe suppliers to Airbus and is a key supplier of major wing structures. Spirit Europe also produces wing structures for Boeing programs.