The new Johor facility is focusing on servicing engine low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500.
GKN Aerospace, at the MRO Asia-Pacific show in Singapore, conducted an inauguration ceremony of its all-new facility for Aero-engine parts repair in Johor, Malaysia. The new facility was constructed with an investment of $35 million and will provide jobs for 300 highly skilled operators and engineers. The repair center will support engine parts repairs in Johor, serving customers in the APAC region. The repair facility will be working together in coordination with the facility in El Cajon, CA, U.S.
The new Johor 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 in early 2023. The Research is centered around the application of additive manufacturing technology to engine parts repair.
The company claims to have achieved the Facility stand-up, staffing, certification and production start-up for the facility during challenging pandemic circumstances. The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place in February 2020 but had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ceremony was held at the MRO Asia-Pacific event on 22 September. GKN Aerospace, with the newly built facility, aims to Expand and strengthen its Asian footprint.
Joakim Andersson, President Engines Systems, GKN Aerospace said: “We are really proud to finally open this state of the art facility and to be able to share this celebration with our customers, employees and stakeholders. 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.”
The ceremony will be attended by Tuan Lee Ting Han, representing Johor’s Chief Minister (Menteri Besar) Office/Chairman of the State’s Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee, his Excellency Joachim Bergstrom, Sweden’s Ambassador to Malaysia, the Honorable Senator Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Deputy Minister, Malaysia International Trade and Industry, and Distinguished Richard Colley, representing British High Commissioner to Malaysia/Country Director.
The current team of 90 employees is expected to grow up 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. The reason behind choosing Johor for the facility is because it 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.
After the addition of the latest facility, 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.
