GKN Aerospace (Innovation Zone) will open a new 80,000ft2 (7,430m2) composites manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico, and expects it to start delivering parts by the end of 2012.
The facility will start off producing composite structures for the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter, with plans to scale up production for more types of components, including those for fixed-wing commercial aircraft, says GKN Aerospace's senior vice-president for business development and strategy, Mike McCann, speaking at the Farnborough air show.
This expansion would allow it to support its growing composites facility in Tallassee, Alabama, which supplies parts to GE, HondaJet and Airbus in addition to work for Sikorsky.
GKN currently operates facilities in Mexicali and San Luis Potosi that have a combined area of 170,000ft2 and will employ over 100 people by 2017. These locations manufacture engine fan cases, containment cases, fan ducts and shroud assemblies for companies such as Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Allison.
Source: Flight Daily News
