2 min read - 25 Mar, 2026
Rolls-Royce to invest £19m at Rotherham production site
Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3m investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The total of £21.3m is funding an increase in the capability and productivity of the facility, which manufactures some of the world’s most advanced turbine blades for Rolls-Royce jet engines that power long-haul aircraft. Additional specialist machines funded by the investment will double output at the facility by 2030.
ABCF casts, machines, and inspects intermediate and high-pressure turbine blades for the Trent XWB-84, which powers the Airbus A350-900, and the Trent 1000 XE, which powers the Boeing 787. Each high-pressure turbine blade generates the power of a Formula 1 car, with between 60 and 90 inside each engine to provide enough thrust to propel some of the largest and most efficient aircraft into the sky.
Rolls-Royce is investing £19.3m in its Rotherham turbine blade facility, doubling output at the site by 2030 / Picture: Rolls-Royce
Nigel Bird, executive vice president, turbine systems, for Rolls-Royce, said: “We’re grateful to South Yorkshire’s Mayor for his support. It’s a clear example of how regional government can generate confidence for private sector investment, helping to retain and expand this type of unique UK capability, and supporting UK exports.
“Thanks to Rolls-Royce’s ongoing transformation, we’re able to make this investment, which will bring benefits to the region and our customers. Our incredible team in Rotherham are making components every day that are pushing the boundaries of science. This investment is a vote of confidence in them and in the capability of the wider region to stay at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. We look forward to future collaboration that will help keep these valuable skills in the community.”
The ABCF employs more than 300 people and was opened in 2015.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, added: “South Yorkshire is home to world‑class engineering, world‑class innovation and world‑class talent. I’m proud that our support will help to unlock growth, keep cutting‑edge manufacturing here in South Yorkshire and further strengthen our role at the heart of the UK’s advanced manufacturing industry.”
