ROLLS Royce has announced a £60m cash boost for its Inchinnan base - slashing job losses announced earlier this year.

The company said it was building a new Centre of Competence at the Renfrewshire site, which manufactures aircraft engines, for the production of aerofoils and engine shafts.

A spokeswoman said the move would reduce the 187 job losses announced in March by creating around 130 jobs.

She said it should "help to offset the 187 job reductions."

Speaking after news of the £60m investment, Rolls Royce chief operating officer Mike Mosley said: “Rolls-Royce is focused on transforming our global industrial base to develop our world-class, competitive supply chain, concentrating investment in high-technology and high-intellectual property in key areas to help us deliver to customers.

“Our investment in Inchinnan demonstrates our commitment to innovative technology and world-class facilities which will improve performance and drive profitable growth for our business. We recognise the dedication and flexibility of the Inchinnan workforce who continue to play a key role in the success of Rolls-Royce.”

The new centre will manufacture a range of aerofoils, including turbine and compressor components, for Rolls-Royce engines that are no longer in high volume production, such as the Adour and BR715.

The spokeswoman said it required a "flexible workforce with a high degree of specialist knowledge."

It was announced in March that more than 200 jobs were to go at Rolls Royce plants at Inchinnan and East Kilbride.

Staff were told that around 180 posts were going at Inchinnan, reducing shop floor workers by a third.

Another 30 were earmarked at the repair and maintenance base at East Kilbride.