The Aero Gearbox International (AGI) joint venture (JV) between Rolls-Royce and Safran Transmission Systems (Safran) has opened a new facility in Ropczyce, Poland.

The 13,500m² facility will manufacture accessory drive trains (ADT) or accessory gearboxes for all future Rolls-Royce civil aircraft engines.

The facility currently employs more than 50 people and is planning to add up to 200 direct positions.  

It has already started producing ADTs for Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, which powers Airbus A350 XWB aircraft family.

“I look forward to seeing it become an integral part of our supply chain, delivering high-value ADTs and contributing to Rolls-Royce's growing share of market-leading civil large engines.”

The new plant will soon produce ADTs for next generation business jet and for the Trent 7000 engine, which will power Airbus A330neo aircraft.

Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East said: “I look forward to seeing it become an integral part of our supply chain, delivering high-value ADTs and contributing to Rolls-Royce's growing share of market-leading civil large engines.”

Established in 2015, Aero Gearbox International benefits from the design and production of Safran's ADT expertise and Rolls-Royce’s engine design and propulsion system integration experience.

In a separate development, Safran announced that Air India’s new A320neo aircraft has entered into commercial service.

The aircraft is powered by LEAP-1A engine, manufactured by Safran’s aircraft engines JV with GE and CFM International.