GKN Aerospace has celebrated the opening of its new facility for aero-engine parts repair in Johor Malaysia with an inauguration ceremony on 22nd September.
The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place in February 2020 but had to be postponed because of the pandemic.
GKN Aerospace leadership came together with federal and state government officials from Malaysia, as well as investment partners and customers, to recognise GKN Aerospace’s establishment in the region and the importance of growing the aerospace market in Southern Malaysia.
The site is focusing on servicing engine low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500. The first CFM platforms have been repaired and delivered to customers in December 2021. The repair of V2500 Fan Blades kicked off in June 2022. The portfolio will be expanded with GTF 24K Fan Blades and CFM Fan Blades later this year and early 2023.
Research is centred around the application of additive manufacturing technology into engine parts repair.
The current team of 90 employees will grow to 150 operators in 2023 and further expand to 300 within five years. GKN Aerospace is providing on-site training for employees. The expansion to Asia is an important part of GKN Aerospace’s long-term growth strategy and global operating model. The facility is complementary to GKN Aerospace’s existing component repair facility in El Cajon, CA to meet growing demand in the Asia Pacific region.
The new site is a fully owned GKN Aerospace business. Johor offers favourable conditions in the areas of business development, labour, education & training and infrastructure. It also has an excellent location relative to the company’s major customers in Asian Pacific Region.
GKN Aerospace now operates seven facilities in Asia, delivering aerostructures, engine systems, wiring systems and transparencies in China, India, Malaysia and Turkey. By the time all sites are fully up-and-running, around 15% of GKN Aerospace’s employees are expected to be based in Asia.
Joakim Andersson, president engines systems said: “We have strongly invested in the site and we injected the latest automated manufacturing technology. It is a true demonstration of our commitment to support our customers in the Asian Pacific Region and this has already led to exciting growth opportunities. We thank the Government of Malaysia for the excellent collaboration and for their vital and valuable support in facilitating our decision to locate in their country.”
