INDIANAPOLIS--June 8, 2012: Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened its first Customer Delivery Center (CDC) for defense engines in the United States, initially focusing on deliveries for the Lockheed Martin C-130J military transport aircraft.
“Rolls-Royce continues to focus on customers and delivering improvements to exceed their expectations. Recognizing how important the C-130J business is to both Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce, we are pleased to introduce delivery system improvements such as the Customer Delivery Center in support of this significant program.”
Through more than $1 million investment in production advancements including automated inspection, dry-ice blast cleaning and electronic tool control, the CDC will enhance deliveries of AE 2100 engines, as Lockheed Martin continues to grow its C-130J business in the US and globally. The aircraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines.
Patricia O'Connell, Rolls-Royce, President Customer Business, said, "Rolls-Royce continues to focus on customers and delivering improvements to exceed their expectations. Recognizing how important the C-130J business is to both Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce, we are pleased to introduce delivery system improvements such as the Customer Delivery Center in support of this significant program."
John Gallo, Rolls-Royce, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, said, "The new Customer Delivery Center represents yet another investment in our manufacturing operations as we keep a laser focus on improving efficiency and maintaining our ability to compete in the marketplace. We have designed the Customer Delivery Center to include best practices and efficiencies that will benefit all AE engine production."
George Shultz, Lockheed Martin, Vice President and General Manager, C-130 Programs, said, "The C-130J Super Hercules has developed a reputation for power and reliability. That reputation is due in large part to the Rolls-Royce engines which give the C-130J such tremendous range and speed. The AE 2100 engines also allow the aircraft to conduct a wider range of missions than any other platform."
The CDC is located in Rolls-Royce's primary manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, where the AE 2100 engines are assembled. The AE 2100 is part of the Rolls-Royce AE engine family, which also includes AE 1107C for the V-22 Osprey, and the AE 3007H for the Global Hawk and US Navy BAMS. All AE engines share a common core and over 80 percent commonality. In future, the CDC will include the other engines in the AE family, including corporate and regional aircraft engines produced in Indianapolis.
- Rolls-Royce is a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, and has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
- As a result of this strategy, Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base comprising more than 500 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 4,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in more than 80 countries.
- Annual underlying revenues were $17.9 billion in 2011, of which more than half came from the provision of services. The firm and announced order book stood at $98.5 billion at 31 December 2011, providing visibility of future levels of activity.
- Rolls-Royce employs over 40,000 people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in over 50 countries. Over 11,000 of these employees are engineers.
- In 2011, Rolls-Royce invested $1.4 billion on research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental performance of its products, in particular reducing emissions.
- The new Customer Delivery Center is part of a continued investment by Rolls-Royce in its US operations. Within the last six months, Rolls-Royce has announced expansion plans in several states, with over $130 million of new investments. These include $50 million expansion to add a second outdoor jet engine test stand at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi; $42 million to develop a new production facility in Indianapolis; over $22 million to redevelop a new office complex in Indianapolis; and $10 million to build a new office building in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Over the coming years, Rolls-Royce plans to invest more than $500 million in Virginia, generating more than 600 jobs.
- Rolls-Royce supports a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which connect the company's engineers with the forefront of scientific research.
- The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills.