CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace
Systems announced that it is expanding its existing footprint in Foley, Alabama by adding a new
manufacturing and nacelle assembly facility that is estimated to bring 260 new jobs to Baldwin
County. UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is one of Alabama's largest aerospace manufacturers as measured by number of employees.
The new 80,000 square-foot building will house the assembly of nacelle components and propulsion system integration. The
primary mission of the new facility will be to support the Airbus A320, initially the current engine option (CEO) and eventually
the NEO (new engine option). The nacelle system for the A320neo features a proprietary inlet acoustic treatment that reduces
drag, which improves fuel efficiency.
Integrated A320 family propulsion systems will be delivered from the new facility to the Airbus final assembly line in
Mobile, about an hour away. In addition, the site will provide support for other airplane
platforms equipped with the Pratt & Whitney PurePower® PW1000G Geared Turbofan engine: the Bombardier CSeries,
the Embraer E2 and Mitsubishi Regional Jet.
The Foley facility is a leader in UTC Aerospace Systems' drive to operate the most efficient
factories in the industry through its relentless application of continuous improvement principles. UTC Aerospace Systems'
Aerostructures business currently operates two collocated facilities in Foley: a 220,000-square
foot original equipment plant employing approximately 600 people and an adjacent 210,000-square foot maintenance, repair and
overhaul (MRO) facility employing approximately 200 people.
"This expansion is a great opportunity to expand our ability to apply our innovative nacelle technology to one of the world's
most popular airplanes," said Marc Duvall, president of UTC Aerospace Systems' Aerostructures
business. "We chose Foley to expand because of its proven track record of performance, our
desire to be near a key customer, and the tremendous cooperation we've had from the state, county and the city."
UTC Aerospace Systems has provided nacelle technology for the A320 family for more than three decades. "We have more
experience than anyone in integrating the nacelle system to the engine and the airplane," said Duvall.
Construction of the new facility will take about a year, with opening slated for the second quarter of 2017. Employment will
ramp up as customer requirements grow.
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense
industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service
facilities. Follow the company on Twitter: @utcaerosystems
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems
and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.
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SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems