Global power systems company Rolls-Royce has opened its largest facility in Asia, at the Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore. This is the first of its kind to bring advanced aerospace high-value manufacturing technology to this part of the world.
The sprawling facility includes an assembly and test unit; a wide chord fan blade manufacturing facility; an advanced technology Centre; and a regional training centre.
Representing an investment of over Singapore $700 million, the new facility will significantly increase the group's manufacturing capacity and proximity to customers in the Asia-Pacific region, including India, where many airlines such as Air India, Jet Airway, IndiGo and Kingfisher use V2500 engines in their jet planes, which are manufactured by IAE, of which Rolls Royce is a part. India also stands to benefit from the training centre at the facility which is nearer home. The investment will create over 500 new jobs, bringing the number of people employed by Rolls-Royce in Singapore to over 2,000.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee HsienLoong, recently opened the Rolls-Royce facility, designed to allow simultaneous assembly and testing of Rolls-Royce Trent engines under one roof. At full capacity, it can produce up to 250 engines a year. Initially Trent 900 and Trent 1000 aero engines will be built at the facility.
It will be the group's first wide chord fan blade manufacturing facility outside the U.K. to manufacture hollow titanium blades, a unique capability and technology, which has played a key role in the success of the Trent aero engine family. At full capacity, this facility could produce over 6,000 blades a year.
The Regional Training Centre (RTC) is the first such training facility for Rolls-Royce in Asia. Its purpose is to develop high-value skills and nurture talent for the future. It is part of the global network of Rolls-Royce training centres, combining the latest technology, equipment and facilities to give customers and employees in the region access to world-class facilities, and internationally accredited qualifications, a company release says.
Rolls Royce has a customer base, comprising more than 500 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 4,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in more than 80 countries.
