The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted GKN Aerospace approval to repair CFM56 aero-engine parts at its Johor facility in Malaysia, marking an important milestone for the company.

The site will focus on servicing engine low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500.

The facility will complement GKN Aerospace’s existing component repair facility in El Cajon, California.

In addition, the Johor site, in collaboration with other GKN Aerospace sites and local universities, will research the application of additive manufacturing technology into engine parts repair.

Around 70 employees are currently on site in Malaysia to support the initial phase of the business, but the company is expecting “strong growth in capabilities and people” over the coming years.

GKN Aerospace has invested $30 million in both the facility and its state of the art equipment and technologies. The expansion to Asia is an important part of GKN Aerospace’s long-term growth strategy and global operating model.

GKN Aerospace site director, Fergus Lopez, said: “We are really proud of this fantastic achievement which occurred during very difficult times for our industry.

“I am extremely proud of our team, both Malaysian and global, who worked very hard to overcome challenging circumstances, with great skill and dedication.

“We have strongly invested in the site and we have injected the latest automated manufacturing technology.

‘The FAA certification is an important international recognition of our capability to support our customers in the Asian Pacific Region.

“Everyone on-site is looking forward to starting to support our world-leading customers in the coming months.”

Visit gknaerospace.com for more information.