GE Aviation Engine Services-Singapore is kicking off its 35th year of operations here with plans to invest $78.6 million in the facility over the next 10 years. The investment will go into several new projects, including a lab for advanced lean manufacturing; an Asia Pacific center for its current range of products; an advanced-technologies center for research and development; and an automation and robotics center.

Launched in 1981, GE Aviation (Stand G23) was the first aircraft engine manufacturer to establish an MRO facility in Loyang Industrial Estate in the Changi area, then designated the “aviation city,” to support technology development in Singapore.

Initially focused on the GE CF6 engine line, the company has since built a reputation for repairing and overhauling engine components for the CF6, CF34, CFM56, GE90, GP7200+ and GEnx engine families, as well as the LM-series of marine engines.

Today, two GE Aviation facilities are operational in Singapore with a combined staff of 1,500 who perform, repair and overhaul combustors, compressor and turbine airfoils, and other rotating parts. The facility integrates mechanization and automation processing and uses a wide range of robots on its production lines.

“The investment plans for the site will enable GE Aviation to better support its customer repair needs for existing engines as well as new engines that are beginning to enter service,” said Shane Wright, chief financial officer at GE Aviation.