GKN Aerospace has announced plans to build a new aeroengine MRO and research facility in the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. The facility will open in 2019 and will service engine fan blades and fan discs for commercial aircraft.

The facility — the company's seventh in the region, but the first dedicated to engine components — will provide additional capacity to GKN Aerospace’s existing facility in San Diego, CA to meet growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region. The new plant will employ 150 people initially, growing to 300 in two years' time.

The company says that Johor is centrally located for aero engine customers in the region, with access to a skilled work force and strong infrastructure. GKN Aerospace intends to add research capability to the facility and will work with local knowledge institutes to adopt new technologies and grow the product offerings for the new generation of aero engines.

The site was identified with the support of the Malaysian Government and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

GKN Aerospace already operates six facilities in Asia, delivering wiring systems, transparencies and services in China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey.