SEATTLE — Boeing and the University of Washington cut the ribbon Monday on a new research facility at the school’s Seattle campus.

The Boeing Advanced Research Center will initially focus on advanced assembly and manufacturing technologies. Students and faculty from UW’s Department of Mechanical Engineering will work with Boeing engineers on aircraft and spacecraft assembly and manufacturing.

Under a two-year agreement, the airplane maker is already funding four initial projects focusing on automation, robotics and aircraft assembly, according to UW.

As many as eight Boeing engineers will do research at the center and serve as affiliate instructors for the department.

A news release on the school’s website says that “The plan is to seek more funding to continue the center indefinitely and bring on more projects.”

Several big names showed up for Monday’s event: Gov. Jay Inslee, UW President Michael K. Young and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.

Conner highlighted the aerospace giant’s relationship with UW.

“It’s another example of how our investments in the Puget Sound are a win-win for the region and Boeing,” he said. “When our community is strong, we are strong.”

Six faculty members and eight graduate students will also be part of the center’s research team.

Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.