BOEING has announced a long-term partnership with the Government to double its number of jobs in the UK.
The US plane maker intends to build a new £100 million facility for the P-8A Poseidon military aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
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It will make the UK its European base for training, maintenance, repair and overhaul across its defence fixed-wing and rotary platforms.
Boeing has doubled its UK workforce over the past five years to more than 2,000 people.
The plans announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire are expected to result in a further 2,000 jobs.
Boeing also pledged to increase the bid opportunities it offers to UK suppliers in an attempt to double their work with the manufacturer.
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Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I want the UK to continue to be at the forefront of the global aerospace industry, both civil and defence.
"That's why I'm delighted that we can announce today a long-term strategic initiative with Boeing that will create thousands of jobs, secure investment in R&D and create opportunities for the supply chain, as well as delivering on our defence commitments.
"Boeing is one of the world's most respected aerospace companies. This long-term commitment shows the UK is open for business, and attractive for investment."
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Boeing chairman Dennis Muilenburg said: "Boeing is committed to the UK Government's prosperity agenda and we share the goals of enhanced economic growth that the Prime Minister has set out to us."
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