ZHUHAI, China, Nov. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Smiths Aerospace is pleased to announce the phase two construction of its aircraft engine components manufacturing facility in Suzhou, Jiang Su province, China. Phase two will double Smiths existing 67,000 sq. ft. facility bringing the total to 134,000 sq. ft. The expansion will accommodate manufacture of larger aircraft engine components, complex sheet metal fabrications and composite manufacture. The facility today has about 85 employees; this total will rise to approximately 200 as the expanded facility comes into full production in 2006. Phase two completion is scheduled for the second quarter 2005.
"Doubling the size of our factory in Suzhou will double the value for customers and investors from our already successful operations in China," commented Dr. John Ferrie, group managing director for Smiths Aerospace. "We remain excited at the prospects for further expansion of manufacturing in Mainland China."
The facility manufactures precision-machined aircraft engine components for the civil marketplace. Smiths Aerospace Components businesses are world leaders in gas turbine engine components, supplying every major engine program worldwide. Smiths has long-term supply agreements with all leading engine companies and equip gas turbine engines from intake to exhaust.
Smiths Aerospace is the leading transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with sales approaching $2 billion and more than 10,000 staff split between Europe and North America. Smiths holds key positions in the supply chains on all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufactures. Strategically organized businesses focus on digital, electrical and mechanical systems, engine components and customer services.