Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX - the world's largest aerospace and defense company, is planning to expand its existing manufacturing operations in Tanauan, Batangas to support future growth citing factors that make the Philippines an “optimal site” for its global customer base.
Mary Destaffan, general manager of Collins Aerospace facility in Batangas, told Manila Bulletin Business they have expansion plans for its existing 400,000 square ft. manufacturing complex in the country.
“We also have plans for future growth, including the potential to add another 300,000 sq ft.,” she told Manila Bulletin. The planned expansion followed after the company’s introduction of aircraft seating capabilities at the site in January this year to further support its business.
At the moment, Destaffan said the company cannot share exact figures on investments, production capacity and exports.
“Our investment in the Philippines reflects our commitment to local economic development and the aerospace industry's future. Our Tanauan City facility operates on 100 percent renewable energy,” added Destaffan, who has more than 20 years of diverse leadership experience at RTX, leading and developing global teams in business development, operations, engineering and finance within varying segments of commercial and military aviation. .
Since its establishment in Batangas in 2012, Destaffan said they have already expanded in 2017 with the addition of a third building, increasing its footprint to over 400,000 square ft.
The Tanauan, Batangas facility manufactures cabin interior products such as galleys, lavatories, and aircraft seating and provides aftermarket spares and repair services. “The focus is on quality and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry,” she said.
“Collins Aerospace products produced in the Philippines are used by airlines and aircraft OEMs all across the globe,” said Destaffan, who is responsible for leading operational execution and business growth across each value stream of the Philippine operation, while acting as the RTX country lead for the Philippines.
According to Destaffan, the Philippines was chosen for its strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment. These factors, she said make the Philippines “an optimal site for manufacturing operations and efficiently serving our global customer base.”
Destaffan further noted that the global outlook for aircraft interiors is influenced by a number of factors, including economic conditions, technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and passenger preferences, among many other factors.
Overall, she said, the outlook is largely positive and has been steadily improving since the lowest points of the Covid pandemic.
Growth is driven by the rising demand for innovative and sustainable aerospace solutions, technological advancements, and a strategic focus on expanding our global manufacturing footprint to serve our customers better.
Collins Aerospace is dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and community support in its operations.
It has more than 250 facilities located around the world. Its parent company, RTX, employs over 185,000 people globally and reported sales of $68.9 billion in 2023. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and operates industry-leading businesses including Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, focusing on advancing aviation, defense systems, and next-generation technologies.