MTU Aero Engines Launches New Factory in Poland
09 May 2008
MTU Aero Engines Polska is a new foreign site MTU Aero Engines is presently establishing in Rzeszów on seven-hectare grounds in Poland's Aviation Valley.
In mid-April, ground was broken. In summer, the foundation will be laid and by spring next year, the facility will commence operations. The new affiliate will largely develop and manufacture low-pressure turbine nozzle vanes and rotor blades, assemble low-pressure tur-bines, and repair parts. The factory will be using highly advanced machinery and unique repair techniques for which MTU is known worldwide.
"We've picked Rzeszow in the southeast of Poland because the region boasts a well-developed industrial environment including aviation companies, plus a large pool of skilled workers," explains Richard Maier, MTU Aero Engines Polska project manager. Initially, the company will have about 100 employees, their number being expected to grow to about 400 by 2012. Recruiting of skilled labor is in full swing, with hiring activities extending into the region's wider environs. Over the next three years, MTU expects to in-vest some 50 million euros in the new factory.
"In Poland's Aviation Valley, we're going to establish a center of excellence for uncooled compressor and turbine airfoils for all of MTU's future com-mercial engine programs," Maier explains. Importantly, the entire value chain from development—aerodynamic design, structural mechanics, ther-mal optimization, etc.—to manufacture and repair will unfold at this one lo-cation. "Also," Maier continues, "we'll move the hardware and software de-velopment activities for MTU's engine control units to Rzeszow."
MTU Aero Engines Polska is being established under a corporate structure realignment initiative that optimizes and in part reshuffles tasks among ex-isting MTU locations, particularly Munich, Hannover and Ludwigsfelde near Berlin.
With a workforce of 7,100 people, MTU Aero Engines is Germany's leading engine manufacturer and one of the major players in the engine business. In fiscal 2007 the company posted almost 2.6 billion euros in sales. In the commercial area, MTU is the world's largest independent provider of engine maintenance services.
In the military arena, it is Germany's industrial lead company for practically all engines flown by the country's armed forces. Having carved out leading positions in engine technologies, the company excels in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors, engine control units, and manufacturing and repair techniques.
