Chromalloy to Expand Turbine Engine Component Casting Capability at Tampa Operation

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- Chromalloy, a supplier of components, PMA parts and specialized component repairs for turbine engines in aerospace and land-based applications, announces a $16.5 million investment to expand its Tampa, FL, engine component production to offer additional casting capabilities.

"Expanding the capabilities at our Tampa facility will offer engine manufacturers and operators a single source for replacement parts, from design and development through machining and coating," says Armand F. Lauzon Jr., Chromalloy President. "This will offer customers a one-stop shop for turbine engine component production and casting. Original equipment manufacturers and operators including the airlines will be able to use the Chromalloy network and supply chain to fully meet their requirements for components and replacement parts."

The company's Tampa facility is one of more than 30 operations and sales offices in its global network.

"Expanding our casting capability will give Chromalloy superior ability to provide engine-ready parts," says Lauzon. "Working with original equipment manufacturers and directly with the operators, our technical staff will design the components, develop the tooling and manufacturing concepts, and manage the entire supply chain process to deliver complete, engine-ready components."

Operational improvements at the facility will begin immediately and the new equipment, including vacuum furnaces, will be installed beginning in July. Facility enhancements will be completed by year-end and the company plans to ramp up production in early 2010.

Chromalloy's Tampa operation employs 195 people. The company anticipates hiring up to 200 additional skilled employees as the new casting equipment and furnaces become operational.

FAA maintenance requirements provide guidance for operators who must replace worn parts at regular intervals or when they show wear and fatigue during inspection.

Chromalloy designs and manufactures PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) replacement parts for aircraft engines that are FAA certified to meet or exceed the performance, reliability and durability specifications of original equipment manufacturer parts. In support of land-based power generation turbines, the company employs identical engineering disciplines used to produce its FAA-certified parts. Chromalloy also provides thermal barrier coatings, helping to increase fuel efficiency and thrust in turbine engines as well as specialized component repairs, providing end users with multiple options when faced with damaged or excessively used components.

Chromalloy serves commercial and military customers worldwide and has operations in the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, the U.A.E., Israel, China, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Australia.