Collins Aerospace Expands Engine Components Facility to Meet Rising Demand
Collins Aerospace, a prominent name in the aerospace sector and a part of RTX, is set to enhance its production capabilities with a notable 14,000 square-foot expansion of its manufacturing facility located in West Des Moines, Iowa. This decision comes as part of the company's strategy to address the growing demands from both commercial and military aviation sectors. The investment into this expansion is not only substantial but also showcases Collins Aerospace’s commitment to advancing its fuel distribution technology which is integral to modern aircraft.
The West Des Moines facility has been pivotal in the production of advanced fuel distribution systems. This includes manufacturing a range of original equipment components and providing spare parts, in addition to offering maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The site has been operational in delivering over 25,000 engine nozzles monthly, which highlights its crucial role in sustaining aircraft performance.
Collins Aerospace maintains its status as an FAA-certified Part 145 repair station, specializing in engine nozzle systems and powerplant accessories. As stated by James Bagg, Vice President and General Manager of Engine Control Systems at Collins Aerospace, this expansion is aimed at enhancing delivery performance, optimizing manufacturing capabilities, and creating new job opportunities to accommodate the surge in customer demand.
Current workforce statistics reveal that the West Des Moines operation employs around 300 full-time staff. With the upcoming expansion, Collins Aerospace plans to increase its workforce, anticipating additional hiring by the end of 2026 and expecting further growth into 2027 to support ongoing programs.
Earlier this year, Collins Aerospace completed a significant investment of $14 million into a 9,000 square-foot expansion at its Delavan Drive facility. This project significantly boosted its additive manufacturing capacity, facilitated by cutting-edge metal 3D printing technology, which in turn has led to faster production times, shorter lead times, and the manufacturing of lighter, more efficient aerospace components.
Recognized as a leader in advanced fuel nozzle production, Collins Aerospace has also achieved the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program certification for additive manufacturing. This accolade underscores its essential contribution in the evolution of next-generation aircraft technology.
The construction for the new facility expansion is slated to commence later this month, with plans for completion projected around mid-2027. This initiative not only positions Collins Aerospace to remain competitive in the aerospace market but also highlights its role in enhancing the safety and reliability of aviation as a whole.
As an RTX business, Collins Aerospace’s global workforce remains focused on delivering advanced aerospace and defense solutions across various domains, including avionics, aircraft interiors, and mission systems. RTX itself employs over 180,000 people worldwide, dedicated to pioneering advancements in aviation technology and integrated defense systems to meet the critical challenges faced by global customers. The anticipated benefits of this expansion resonate far beyond immediate operational growth, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the future of aviation technology and employment opportunities in the region.