Collins Aerospace's US$63 Mln Expansion In Subang Shows Confidence In Malaysia   

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The United States (US)-based Collins Aerospace has invested US$63 million (US$1=RM4.06) to expand its maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) facility at Subang Aerotech Park to 164,000 square feet from 46,000 square feet, says Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the move shows the major American aviation and defence technology company's confidence in Malaysia's infrastructure, regulatory environment and the people.

"The Asia-Pacific aviation market is on a strong growth trajectory, with regional MRO demand projected to grow alongside, driven by fleet expansion across Southeast Asia and beyond. 

"Malaysia intends to be at the centre of that growth, not as a passive beneficiary, but as an active participant with the skills, the facilities, and the partnerships to compete internationally, and this expanded Subang facility is a direct contribution to that ambition," he said in his speech at the facility expansion launch on Tuesday.

Loke said Collins Aerospace will be carrying out MRO work on aircraft air management systems, including the Boeing 787, Boeing 777, and Airbus A380, which require highly specialised expertise due to their safety-critical nature.

According to the minister, Collins Aerospace currently employs 150 people at the facility, and the expansion is expected to increase the company's workforce by 30-50 per cent over the next five to 10 years, creating skilled, well-paying and technically demanding jobs in aerospace engineering and maintenance.

"These are exactly the kinds of employment opportunities that Malaysia's aerospace talent pipeline needs to absorb," he said.

Loke said the ministry will maintain a business-friendly environment, strengthen supporting infrastructure and work with stakeholders to support companies like Collins Aerospace in expanding their operations in Malaysia.
--BERNAMA