Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp, is to make a strategic investment in Singapore to develop an aerospace innovation hub dedicated to advanced MRO processes and operations, as well as additive manufacturing processes and capabilities.

The 15,000 sq ft hub will be located at the Collins Changi MRO campus and will feature a lab for automation, smart factory development and advanced manufacturing for deployment across Collins Aerospace. A ground breaking ceremony will be held in August and the lab is expected to be open in 1Q 2020.

The hub will assist in the digitalisation and automation of Collins' current MRO and manufacturing footprint to further advance its lean manufacturing efforts while delivering a quality product to customers, and it builds upon the company's existing presence in the Singapore region, that includes a 24/7 rotable parts exchange pool. It is Collins Aerospace's fourth additive manufacturing lab, and the first centre outside the United States, and will be the company's first additive facility with titanium capability. It will also feature prototyping, development, tooling and ultimately low-rate production of additive materials.

“We're experiencing tremendous growth and transformation in aerospace globally, and we are focused on innovation in order to remain at the forefront of advanced methods and materials for maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions,” says president, aftermarket services Ajay Agrawal. “We are proud to collaborate with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to optimise our customers' experience through the application of new technologies this lab will produce.”

EDB executive director, conglomerates Gian Yi-Hsen adds: “This is an exciting addition to Singapore's vibrant aerospace ecosystem and a new growth chapter for Collins Aerospace in Singapore. Its focus on emerging technologies like additive manufacturing underscores Singapore's regional leadership in advanced manufacturing and innovation. With its added innovation capacity in Singapore, Collins Aerospace will be well-positioned for continued success in the region and beyond.”

“We are actively working in the field of additive design and manufacturing for aerospace applications,” states Collins Aerospace executive director additive design and manufacturing Paula Hay. “We are focused on parts across a wide spectrum of materials including aluminium, inconel, titanium, copper, nickel, as well as other special alloys. The additive lab will further our additive capabilities and techniques. It's a very exciting time for additive technology as it moves out of the research and prototyping realm and into production.”