Boeing and Hexcel expand aerospace composites facility in Malaysia by 40%

Published: 12-Nov-2013

The companies invest US$17m in the expansion, which includes additional space for the cleanroom

Boeing and Hexcel Composites of Duxford, Cambridge, UK have invested RM50m (US$17m) to expand their factory at Aerospace Composites Malaysia (ACM) by 40% to support increased production for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

ACM is a joint venture between the two companies that produces flight surfaces for all of Boeing’s commercial aircraft, including the next-generation 737, 747-8, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner.

The investment will add 125,000ft2 to a factory that now totals 440,000ft2. The project also includes a cleanroom expansion of 11,000ft2 and an investment of RM14m ($5m) in new equipment.

With the extra capacity, ACM is expected increase its high-tech manufacturing workforce beyond its current 950 employees.

The added capacity is expected to be partially used to begin production of fixed leading edge panels for the 787 next year.

'Boeing and Hexcel are increasing ACM’s capacity as a direct result of its proven high performance and ability to expand its capabilities to support the quality, reliability and affordability of Boeing’s commercial aircraft,' said John Byrne, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President, Airplane Materials and Structures. 'Boeing and Malaysia have a long history of collaboration, and ACM is a great example of the mutual benefit earned by growing Malaysia’s high-tech sector and supporting Boeing’s supply chain.'

Robert Moray, General Manager of ACM, added: 'ACM is determined to continue to grow ACM business by sourcing locally, creating new local employment especially within this Kubang Pasu district, offering products and helping in the further industrial development of the state of Kedah and the growth of the aerospace industry in Malaysia.'

ACM, formerly Asian Composites Manufacturing, was formed in 1998 as a joint venture for composites fabrication and minor parts assembly. Boeing Commercial Airplanes is the end customer for nearly all of ACM’s output.

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