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Rolls-Royce Expands Global Capability |
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Remarks by Mr Manohar Khiatani, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board, on Tuesday, 20 November 2007, 4pm at Raffles City Tower
Members of the media,
Good afternoon,
1. We are delighted that Rolls Royce has decided to establish this aircraft engine manufacturing facility in Singapore. It is not only a first for Singapore, it will be the first plant in Asia to assemble and test engines for large commercial aircraft. And not only that, the plant in Singapore will be a ‘Factory of the Future’, developing and incorporating the latest in engine assembly techniques. This is therefore unquestionably a landmark project for us.
2. We want to thank Rolls Royce for their trust and confidence in Singapore. It is a confidence that stems from a partnership that spans many decades. Rolls Royce today employs more than a 1000 people in Singapore and has activities ranging from aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), marine systems, power generation and fuel cells. In fact, last year, Rolls Royce received EDB's Distinguished Partner in Progress award for its contributions to Singapore's economic development. This project (which was fittingly codenamed Red Dot), marks another milestone in the close partnership between Rolls Royce and Singapore.
3. The aerospace industry is key for Singapore. Singapore is the largest and most comprehensive aerospace MRO hub in Asia with over 100 companies. Last year, the aerospace industry registered a record output of $6.3b and employed more than 17,000 people. About 90% of the output was from the MRO sector with manufacturing accounting for the remainder 10%.
4. Our intent has been to grow both the MRO and manufacturing component of this industry and today’s project marks a quantum leap for aerospace manufacturing. It is not only the single largest aerospace investment in Singapore, but brings with it first-of- kind capabilities. The mfg of aircraft engines is a highly complex activity with tremendous demands on quality and reliability. The fact that Rolls Royce has chosen Singapore as the location for its ‘Factory of the Future’ for this activity, is testament to the company’s confidence in our capabilities.
5. We are confident that Singapore is the right location for this project because we have the necessary attributes. This includes :
- Quality Manpower at all levels
- Strong Technology Orientation
- World Class Infrastructure
- Excellent Logistics
- Good Brand Image for Quality and Delivery
- Overall Cost Competitiveness
6. This project will also have significant spinoffs for other sectors of our economy. For example, it will generate strong demand for high-end logistics services - to bring in components, modules from all over the world and then to ship back the completed engines to the US and Europe. Engine component and systems suppliers will also be encouraged to set up their operations in Spore. The project will also create exciting and high-value jobs for our people. It will need highly qualified craftsmen, technicians and engineers.
7. We are also very pleased that Rolls Royce has decided to site this iconic facility at the Seletar Aerospace Park. Having a global leader such as Rolls Royce will further enhance the attractiveness of the Park. Rolls Royce will also benefit as their key suppliers and partners can set up facilities within the Seletar Aerospace Park to optimize synergies and reduce costs.
8. In summary, we are very excited by this project. It marks a breakthrough for our aerospace industry. We will work closely with Rolls Royce and look forward to the day when we will have ‘Made-in-Singapore’ engines gracing the skies.
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