Rolls-Royce factory gets boost as productivity initiative is expanded

Collaboration that raised its productivity in S'pore by over 20% gears up into next phase

- Annabelle Liang Correspondent

Minister-in-the charge of Energy and Science and Technology, on a tour of Rolls-Royce's facility at Seletar Aerospace Park with Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) chief executive Chris Pattinson (far right). Rolls-Royce's joint lab with SAESL and A*Star was expanded on Oct 3. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

(LIANHE ZAOBAO)

Aircraft engine-maker Rolls-Royce's factory in Singapore is getting a boost as a research collaboration which has increased its productivity by over 20 per cent gears up into its second phase.

The company's joint lab with Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) and A*Star was expanded on Oct 3.

The first phase of the collaboration, launched in 2017, resulted in the automation of processes like the coating of fans in aircraft engines.

These improvements allowed Rolls-Royce to raise its output without expanding its physical factory, said Dr Tan See Leng, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology.

He added: "Improvements like these are expected to generate operational efficiencies for Rolls-Royce and SAESL over the next decade."

SAESL, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and SIA Engineering Company, has also raised its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities under the collaboration.