The project, worth more than £25m to the contractor, will create an advanced development and testing centre for large structural parts involved in the manufacture of aircraft.

The Airbus Wing Integration Centre will be the proving ground for future technologies, new materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as novel and more efficient testing processes.

Airbus’ Filton site was chosen as the location for this facility because it already is home to some 2,000 engineers who specialise in wing design, as well as fuel and landing gear systems integration.

The site also is home to Airbus Group Innovations’ 3D printing plateau and digital manufacturing laboratory and the Airbus low-speed wind tunnel, and is close to other research facilities including the National Composites Centre.

Around 250 engineers will be based in the new facility, alongside Airbus’s corporate-level research and technology network. 

Mark Wusthoff, Galliford Try south west area director, said: “This contract is a significant step forward for our business and builds on our growing track record in constructing high-quality facilities for advanced manufacturing.

“We  having previously completed two projects at Filton in 2013, and we are excited to be part of a flagship project for both Airbus and the wider Western region around Bristol.”