Leonardo has opened a high-technology science and engineering facility in the Newcastle Helix innovation cluster – its eighth site in the UK.
Located in the state-of-the-art ‘Spark’ development, Leonardo Newcastle will focus on the research, development and prototyping of Leonardo’s next generation sensing, security and vertical lift products, many of which will incorporate emerging digital and data technologies.
The site will connect to Leonardo’s other scientific research and manufacturing sites around the country via the secure cloud, linking into the company’s nationwide network of data-driven engineering projects.
Leonardo in Britain
Clive Higgins, chair and CEO, Leonardo UK, said: “What distinguishes Leonardo from many other global firms with a UK presence is the research, engineering and advanced manufacturing that Leonardo does on shore in Britain.
“By opening this new site in Newcastle, we will now be able to hire regional talent from the North East to work on some of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking technology projects. We’re here for the long term, and are looking to build strong community bonds in Newcastle, matching those established by Leonardo at our other sites around the UK.”
In Newcastle, as well as delivering for its customers, the company plans to involve regional SMEs, charities, social mobility programmes, schools and academia, replicating how it has operated in other UK towns and cities, from Yeovil in the South West to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Justine Greening, chair of The Purpose Coalition, spoke about the positive effect on social mobility.
She said: “Engineering is an industry with one of the lowest levels of gender diversity and social mobility, but Leonardo is a fantastic example of how a business can drive change in their own organisations and in the communities they serve.
By investing in Newcastle, Leonardo is bringing high value employment and skills to one of the least advantaged areas of the UK, delivering opportunity at every level. In return, it gets access to a pipeline of diverse talent that will let it continue to innovate, grow and build for the future.”
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