KUALA LUMPUR: The Collins Aerospace group is allocating over RM16 million to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations in Malaysia.
The expansion allows the aerospace group's relocation to a new 160,000 sqft facility at Subang Aerotech Park.
The company said the new facility would serve as one of its regional hubs for aircraft component maintenance.
Subang Aerotech Park is a 24.3ha industrial aviation and high technology park within the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) developed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) as part of its Aeropolis development.
MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the expansion of Collins Aerospace operations in Malaysia was likely to contribute significantly towards the growth of the country's aerospace industry.
"Subang Airport is already the focal point of the national aerospace supply chain due to the presence of global players such as Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Execujet and Dassault Aviation," he said in a statement today.
Iskandar said Subang Airport currently has over 60 players and supports more than 4,000 high skilled jobs.
"Aerospace is not only expanding their operations in terms of capacity but is also introducing advance capabilities at this new MRO facility.
"All these will contribute towards strengthening Malaysia's position as an aerospace hub within the region," he said.
This was in line with the objective stated in the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 that aims to make Malaysia the number one aerospace nation in South- East Asia.
As part of the expansion, the facility will add new MRO capabilities for Collins Aerospace's air cycle machines, heat exchangers, engine starters, valves, propellers and actuation systems.
The site will support a variety of aircraft, including the B787, B777X, A320, A380, ATR 42 and ATR allowing for faster turnaround time and more efficient service to its customers in the region.
The company will also work closely with Collins Innovation Hub in Singapore to explore new ways to utilise advanced technologies to enhance repair flows and quality.