Aerospace giant Boeing on Thursday opened a new plant in Sheffield, UK, its first manufacturing factory in Europe.

The new factory will make actuation system components for Boeing's 737 and 767 passenger jets.

In a statement released on the company's website, Boeing said its Sheffield factory will produce thousands of parts each month, which will be shipped for assembly in Boeing's Portland plant in Oregon, United States.

"We appreciate all the community support for Boeing's new advanced manufacturing factory in the UK," said Jenette Ramos, Boeing senior vice president of Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Operations.

Ramos said Boeing values the region's manufacturing expertise to enhance its production system and to explore and inspire aerospace innovation.

Covering 6,200 square metres, the facility represents a Boeing investment of more than 40 million pounds (or 51.6 million U.S. dollars), and currently has a team of 52 employees, including experienced mechanics, engineers and more than 20 apprentices.