KUALA LUMPUR: Global Systémes Asia Sdn Bhd (GSA) is acquiring Swiss maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) giant RUAG International's operation in Malaysia, deemed one of the most strategic moves in the Malaysian aerospace industry history.
GSA, an integrated solutions system and MRO services company, said the acquisition signified the first for a Malaysian company within the MRO sector, enhancing the nation's agenda of becoming a regional and global hub for the industry.
Chairman Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi said the deal would significantly increase GSA's MRO helicopter and aircraft capabilities while supporting its affiliate company, Global Turbines Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA).
The GSA-GTA and RUAG strong synergy would boast an enhanced services portfolio adding components, fuselage, starter generator and electrical systems to GTA's already successful MRO offering.
Nonee said this would make GSA the first Malaysian company to boast a complete MRO ecosystem portfolio covering military (GTA) and civil (RUAG International).
"The establishment of GTA-GSA collective business avenues will also create highly skilled jobs for the public, representing a significant benefit to the company, our customers, our shareholders, and stakeholders.
"This approach will provide new career pathways and opportunities amidst our industry transformation efforts. We need to forge more similar partnerships that benefit our partners and our people, who can learn and refine their skills over the long term," she said in a statement today.
RUAG International head of MRO international business unit Felix Ammann said the transfer of the company's stake in the business to the locally anchored company GSA is an excellent solution for successfully continuing the current business activities and sustainably securing the future jobs.
National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office head Shamsul Kamar said the acquisition by GSA would enhance Malaysia's global and regional footprint for the components MRO segment.
"Apart from expanding its current aerospace portfolio, GSA will become one of the major catalysts in attracting quality business partners to consider Subang as their preferred location in Southeast Asia, thus strengthening the MRO ecosystem in Malaysia," he said.