GKN Aerospace has officially opened its repair and research facility for aero-engine systems in Johor, Malaysia. GKN Aerospace Malaysia reached this significant milestone on Thursday 4th October. GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Leadership came together with Federal and State Government officials from Malaysia, as well as investment partners and customers, to recognize GKN Aerospace’s establishment in the region and the importance of growing the Aerospace market in Southern Malaysia.

The event was well supported with over 50 guests attending and 4 guest speakers, including Joakim Andersson, CEO GKN Aerospace Engine Systems and Mr Arham, Deputy CEO, MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority).

At the Farnborough Air Show in July of this year, GKN Aerospace announced the establishment of the aero-engine repair site and the creation of 150 jobs growing to 300 within two years. A team of 15 people has been built to date. GKN Aerospace has invested $30 million in the site and in its state of the art equipment and technologies. The expansion to Asia is an important part of GKN Aerospace’s long-term growth strategy and global operating model.

The site will initially focus on servicing engine low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500 and will be operational in 2019. The research will be centred around the application of additive manufacturing technology into engine parts repair. The facility will complement GKN Aerospace’s existing component repair facility in San Diego, CA to meet growing demand in the Asia Pacific region, with investments targeting the growth in the single-aisle market expected in the region.

The support of the Malaysian Government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) was essential in identifying the location for a suitable and competitive site and customers were closely involved and supportive from the start.

Joakim Andersson CEO GKN Aerospace Engine Systems said: “We are proud to extend our global presence with this new site in Malaysia. This new facility highlights our commitment to support our customers in Asia. This will definitely lead to exciting growth opportunities. We thank the Government of Malaysia for the excellent collaboration and for supporting and facilitating our decision to locate in their country”

GKN Aerospace already operates six facilities in Asia, delivering wiring systems, transparencies and services in China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey. With this latest expansion, GKN Aerospace’s industry-leading engine systems business will have its first site in the Asian-Pacific region, which is a key growth market for the future.