GKN Aerospace has officially opened a repair and research facility for aero-engine systems in Johor, Malaysia — the company's first engine MRO site in the Asia-Pacific region.

GKN Aerospace announced the establishment of the aero-engine repair site in July, along with the creation of 150 jobs, growing to 300 within two years. A team of 15 people has been built to date. The company has invested $30m in the site and in its state of the art equipment and technologies.

The site will initially focus on servicing engine low-pressure compressor (LPC) components for the CFM56-5B, CFM56-7 and V2500 and will be operational in 2019. Research will be centered around the application of additive manufacturing technology to engine parts repair.

The facility will complement GKN Aerospace’s existing component repair facility in San Diego, CA to meet growing demand in the Asia Pacific region, with investments targeting expected growth in the single-aisle market in the region.

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