Collins Aerospace Looks to Expand Mexican Supply Chain

Q: What are Collins Aerospace’s plans for Mexico in terms of manufacturing and investment?

A: At Collins Aerospace, we consider Mexico a strategic region for manufacturing and supply chain development. We are always looking for opportunities to grow and forecast that we will grow our supply chain presence in Mexico in the years to come.

Q: What are the main capabilities of Collins Aerospace’s plant in Mexicali and why did the company choose to bring its manufacturing to Mexico?

A: Collins’ facilities in Mexicali manufacture and assemble detailed components for commercial aircrafts. Mexicali was chosen because of its competitive location and outstanding aerospace industry. Mexicali’s technical capabilities and labor were very important for building the facility and putting our capabilities into play. The state’s strong technical skills, training capabilities, solid aerospace presence, road infrastructure and utility transportation were also essential to further develop our facilities in the US.

Q: What measures is Collins Aerospace taking in Baja California to streamline its production?

A: One of our most significant projects is growing our supply chain, with capabilities in complex machining, fabrication, casting and forging and others, so we work closely with the state and local government to support supplier capabilities in the region and address specific needs of the aerospace industry. 

Q: What measures are necessary to make Mexico a more attractive destination for international aerospace companies?

A: Mexico needs to continue to support companies that focus on advanced technology and R&D for the aerospace industry. The country also needs to work closely with local and US aerospace associations. Mexico has FEMIA, who works with its counterparts in the US and Canada.

Q: What actions did the company take in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent slowdown of the aerospace sector?

A. Collins’ number one priority is to protect our employees and their community. Collins’ worked closely with the local and national industry sector, state governments and Mexico’s Ministries of Economy and Health to support the development of health and safety protocols that could be implemented across aerospace companies in the country. At Collins’ facilities, we implemented these protocols, including social distancing, rigorous cleaning procedures, temperature checks, flexible working policies, restricted eating areas and conference rooms and enforced use of Personal Protective Equipment. 

Q: What new technology will Collins Aerospace introduce to its operations in Mexico in the short term?

A: Collins’ works with complex acoustic components and avionics and has an established design and engineering center.

Q: What are Collins Aerospace’s expectations for the recovery of the aerospace sector in Mexico and the world?

A: In the next few years, we will align our operations and supply chain to meet customer’s demands. There will be increases in production as air traffic recovers in the next couple of years. People are slowly flying again. We will continue to align ourselves with the industry and make sure that we can meet the increasing demand. Mexico also needs to be ready because is a critical location for our manufacturing and supply chain.  

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government aircraft worldwide.