With the approach of war in the late 1930s a programme of expansion was instigated for the aircraft industry through the British Government's Shadow Factory scheme.

Demand for the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine led first to the establishment of such a factory at Crewe and then to the building of the major Hillington factory in Glasgow. Further expansion was to follow, both in Britain and the United States.

The Hillington factory which had been managed for the Air Ministry by Rolls-Royce from 1939 to 1947, was taken over by the company on 1 April 1947. In addition, the demands of the Korean war for Avon turbojet engines led to the building of a new factory for Rolls-Royce at East Kilbride, to the south of Glasgow. The Hillington factory became a compressor component manufacturing facility in 1965. The factory will be closed at the end of 2005, by which time all activity will have been transferred to the new facility at Inchinnan near Glasgow Airport. The new factory was formally opened in October 2004. East Kilbride is now the largest jet engine Repair and Overhaul facility in Europe.

The Scottish Factories have a proud record of engineering achievement, including the launch of the Tay fan-jet, and it is this that the Scottish Branch records and reflects.

Historical collection and exhibits
The Scottish Branch collection, located at the Rolls-Royce East Kilbride factory, encompasses the heritage of the Company at Hillington, East Kilbride, the former satellite factories and, in the future, Inchinnan. The main display area features examples of Merlin, Derwent, Gazelle, Dart, Avon, Spey and Tay engines, and a scale model of the Trent 800 engine. Griffon, Sea Griffon, Tyne and Gem engines are displayed in the workshop. Access to the collection is by appointment.

Contact
Liz Scott (Mail code 68 H Block)
Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust
Mavor Avenue
Nerston Industrial Estate
Nerston
East Kilbride
Glasgow G74 4PY
Tel (01355 2) 77113
Fax (01355 2) 77624