Snecma America Engine Services has moved into a new 162,000-sq-ft facility in Querétaro, Mexico, to provide services for the CFM56-5A and -5B engines that power the Airbus A320 series. The MRO plans to add the CFM56-7B used on the Boeing 737 NG in the near future.

The facility features a moving line where engines, subassemblies, modules and major parts are all fitted with radio frequency identification chips used to track each item continuously in the plant. The technology is particularly efficient when interacting with a facility nerve center such as the robotically operated warehouse. As a warehouse function it aids the automatic management of parts storage for 25 engines and integrates a kitting system that groups the parts and subassemblies needed to reassemble each engine.

The entire rear section of the facility is an integrated parts repair center, allowing the MRO to repair a significant portion of the parts on-site, including the cases and life-limited parts. The new facility is designed to perform up to 150 complete engine overhauls per year.