SHEFFIELD, UK—Boeing opened a new assembly plant here Oct. 25, its first in Europe.

The $50 million factory will employ 52 people and produce wing assemblies and other parts that will be shipped for assembly to Portland, OR.

The assembly plant gives a boost to Britain’s business credentials ahead of its impending exit from the European Union. Britain’s withdrawal from the EU in March 2017 has sharply slowed the pace of foreign direct investments in the country. Economic growth is also projected to decelerate, regardless of whether London and Brussels reach the terms of an exit deal that could facilitate future trade between the two.

“Boeing choosing the heart of South Yorkshire as its first European home is a testament to our capabilities, talent pool and strong manufacturing supply chains,” says UK Business Secretary Greg Clark.

Boeing has thousands of staff across Europe, but none in a manufacturing plant. It already employs more than 2,200 workers in Britain, including at a site in Glasgow, Scotland.