Kuala Lumpur: UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd has won a new contract from Rolls Royce to produce rear cases for the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 aircraft engines which would require an investment of up to RM65 million.
Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the investment, by UMW Aerospace, is to set up the chemical milling and related processes to manufacture the rear cases at its facility in Serendah.
At present, the rear case is imported from overseas and assembled into a complete fan case.
“For the new contract, the supply value is about RM1 billion for 15 years. We realise how important the industry is as the multiplier impact is far better than other industries,” he added.
The contract is proof that “established multinationals perceive our industrial landscape as stable and conducive to their global supply chain,” the minister said.
“We are proud to note that UMW Aerospace would be the first company in Southeast Asia to develop the chemical milling capability for the aerospace industry,” Tengku Zafrul said during his site visit to UMW Aerospace in Serendah.
This was the company’s second contract from Rolls-Royce in eight years.
In 2015, UMW Aerospace became the first company in Malaysia to supply Tier 1 aero-engine components to Rolls Royce after winning a contract to produce and install fan cases for the Rolls Royce Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engines.
“Miti also appreciates continuing sustainability efforts by UMW Aerospace such as using roof solar panels and the collection of rainwater for its operations,” the minister said.
In a separate statement, Rolls Royce president of Southeast Asia, Pacific, and South Korea Bicky Bhangu commended the Malaysian government’s ongoing support for the aerospace sector.
“We continue to regard the country as one with enormous potential, not just within aerospace, but also its ability to drive broader economic growth and positively contribute to the Southeast Asia region as a whole,” he said.
“Over the decades, Rolls Royce has benefited from the range of expertise, skill sets, and perspectives from Malaysia, alongside its manufacturing capabilities and well-connected supply chains.
“This will be exemplified through the high-quality rear cases that will be supplied by UMW Aerospace and we look forward to the next chapter of this partnership,” he added.
