GKN Aerospace opens new Asian facility

GKN Aerospace has announced that it has officially opened its new repair and research facility in Johor, Malaysia. The aerospace systems supplier invested US$30 million in the site, and was created with the help of Federal and State Government officials from Malaysia.

The site currently has a team of 15 but hopes to expand this figure to 300 within two years. The facility will initially focus on servicing engine low pressure compressor (LPC) components for CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500 and will be operational in 2019. It will also conduct research on application of additive manufacturing technology into engine parts repair.

The facility represents GKN’s long-term growth strategy in the region, and will complements its already existing facility in San Diego, California, US.

“We are proud to extend our global presence with this new site in Malaysia,” Joakim Andersson, CEO of GKN Aerospace Engine Systems said. “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 its excellent collaboration and for supporting and facilitating our decision to locate in their country.”

GKN adds that the support from the Malaysian Government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) ‘was essential’ in identifying a suitable location for the facility. GKN already has six facilities in Asia, delivering wiring systems, transparencies and services in China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey. The new facility, however, is the first engine systems business on the continent for GKN.