BMW Rolls-Royce to expand engine production

BMW Rolls-Royce GmbH is investing DM15 million to expand its aero-engine production facilities at Dahlewitz, near Berlin. Completion is scheduled for early 2000, and the development will see capacity expand from a current level of 220 to 300 engines a year.

The company, which currently has 1000 employees at Dahlewitz, expects to create a further 100 jobs as a result of the expansion. The project is being supported by a Brandenburg regional grant totalling 23 per cent of the total investment.

BMW Rolls-Royce Chairman, Dr. Klaus Nittinger said, "This expansion reflects the increasing need for modern engines to power the new generation of large business aircraft and for 100-seat airliners. Both markets are growing dynamically, and through the BR7OO family, we will be the only manufacturer in this thrust class offering latest generation engines proven in service."

Director Operations Neil Ansell, said, "Following Entry into Service of the Gulfstream V in April 1997, this year will see the start of shipments for the Bombardier Global Express and the Boeing 717-200. By investing in new capacity, we want to satisfy our customers' needs for on-time delivery and first-class quality while creating the preconditions for further growth. This decision concerning Dahlewitz is also proof of the confidence of our shareholders in the efficiency that BMW Rolls-Royce has now achieved."

Dr. Martin Menrath, head of Assembly and Logistics at Dahlewitz, said the investment programme will be quick. He said: "The modular structure of our engine assembly means that we're able to respond very flexibly. We have already started the construction work so that extension of the assembly hall can be completed on schedule by early 2000."

BMW Rolls-Royce began series assembly of BR7OO engines at the end of 1996; in 1998, some 100 engines were assembled and production will exceed its capacity of 220 engines this year.

Previous investment at BMW Rolls-Royce's Oberursel facility means it is already equipped for additional component production. Acceptance tests for production engines are also carried out at an MTU test bed in nearby Ludwigsfelde, where capacity potential for further growth is already in place.

At Dahlewitz, BMW Rolls-Royce currently does the final assembly work on BR710 engines for Gulfstream V and Bombardier Global Express business aircraft as well as assembling BR715 engines for Boeing 717-200s. This year will also see the start of assembly work on a maritime version of the BR71O engine for the Nimrod MRA4 maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the British Air Force.

Dahlewitz handles assembly of BR710 engines for the Gulfstream V and Bombardier Global Express business aircraft as well as the BR715 for the Boeing 717-200. Assembly work is due to begin this year on a maritime version of the BR710 for the Nimrod MRA4 reconnaissance aircraft for the British Air Force.

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