COLLINS AEROSPACE, a division of US-listed RTX, is considering making more products at its facility in the Philippines over the next five years, in the process expanding its supply chains in the region.
“It would be interior aircraft products. So it would be a complement to what we do today, which is main cabin seating, galleys, lavatories, and galley inserts. So it would be along those product lines,” according to Mary DeStaffan, general manager of the Collin Aerospace facility in Tanauan, Batangas.
“This is all part of the strategic plan as we continue to grow the business here and support Asian customers. It is still in the works, but the Philippines has the commitment of Collins Aerospace, as (the facility) has a very competitive advantage,” she added.
She said the company prepares a strategic and financial plan over a five-year period, and the company is looking to roll out the additional product lines within the same period.
“Right now, we are looking to do the expansion at our current site. We have an additional footprint available, and once (we get the go signal) and the right products, we will consider expanding at our current location,” she added.
The Collins Aerospace facility is located at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Tanauan, Batangas. It is the largest US manufacturer in the country.
“So it could be a new assembly line, but truly, there is nothing firm right now. We are just exploring different options, and we continue to partner with airlines to understand what they need and how we can support that,” Ms. DeStaffan said.
Collins Aerospace supplies parts to Boeing and Airbus.
“Our (Philippine) site is one of the largest sites within Collins Aerospace, and so the investment that we’ve made here from 2012 until now shows our commitment to be here in the Philippines,” she said.
“I’m excited to lead the site, to continue to advocate for growth here in the Philippines, and to just be a good partner here,” she added.
Ms. DeSteffan said that regionalizing Collins Aerospace’s supply chain does not only mean more revenue for the Philippines but will also allow the company to respond faster to customer demands. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
