Collins Aerospace, a leading manufacturer of aircraft components, is expanding its operations at Lopez-led First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Batangas province to keep up with increased demand from the aviation sector.

Collins signed a new agreement with FPIP on Jan. 8 to formalize its plan to expand its facility in the economic zone by 7,846 square meters (sqm).

The new space is expected to open in the third quarter of the year, enabling the company to improve operational efficiency and increase production output.

“FPIP has been instrumental as Collins has incrementally grown its Philippine-based operations, capabilities, and expertise since 2012,” said Mary DeStaffan, general manager of Collins Aerospace’s Philippine campus.

“This growth is critical for Collins to best support the rapidly growing aviation industry in-country and in the region, as well as airliners and airframers around the globe,” she added.

Collins produces airplane cabin interior products, including galleys, galley inserts, lavatories, and seating, at its facility in FPIP.

These products have been seeing stronger demand as air travel continues to grow, requiring airlines to upgrade their fleets to meet consumer demand.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) earlier tapped Collins to manufacture new economy-class seats for its refurbished Airbus A321ceo fleet.

Collins specifically produced the Pinnacle seats, which feature a 10.1-inch inflight entertainment screen and a USB-A port outlet.

Last year, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) secured the services of Collins to make the passenger experience at main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) more seamless and convenient.

The company rolled out self-service kiosks and a new facial recognition system, among other improvements, to streamline the lengthy pre-departure process at the gateway.

FPIP senior vice president Yutaro Kuryu said the expansion of Collins highlights the economic zone’s capacity to support companies in growing their operations while generating employment for Filipinos.

“This is not just about having a bigger space or bigger operations. It is about the impact they are helping the Philippines make in the global aerospace industry, and more importantly, the opportunities they are making for the Filipino workforce. Rest assured, we will continue to support them in every way we can,” he said.

FPIP is a 600-hectare (ha) industrial park located in Tanauan City, Batangas.

It is home to over 150 domestic and foreign locators that employ nearly 80,000 workers.