Middle River Aerostructure Systems

A world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers

Middle River Aerostructure Systems

News
Press releases


Sugato Bhattacharjee is named President of Middle River’s Nexcelle joint venture with Safran Nacelles

by

Sugato Bhattacharjee has been appointed President of the Nexcelle engine nacelle joint venture of Middle River Aerostructure Systems (a subsidiary of ST Engineering) and Safran Nacelles (Safran).

Sugato BhattacharjeeBhattacharjee is a member of the Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) leadership team who brings extensive experience in management, design, manufacturing, and engineering – including managerial positions on international jet engine programs and in the joint venture environment.

Prior to his appointment as Nexcelle President, Bhattacharjee was MRAS’ Senior Product Manager for regional nacelle programs. He began his aviation industry career in 1996, joining GE Aviation as a structural design engineer, then progressing through a number of expanded roles involving product design and manufacturing before being named a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Subsequently, Bhattacharjee assumed an Executive Engineering Manager role before joining the product management executive team for GE’s GEnx high-thrust turbofan jet engine. In 2010, Bhattacharjee transitioned to CFM* as the Manufacturing Programs Director.  Subsequently, he served as the Executive Director of Customer Training and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) – working with GE Aviation customers worldwide.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University in the U.S., and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from India’s Delhi University.

The Nexcelle presidency rotates between MRAS and Safran Nacelles. Bhattacharjee succeeds Patrice Provost, a Safran Nacelles employee, who was the president since early 2019. Provost continues his relationship with Nexcelle as one of the joint venture’s two Executive Vice Presidents.

Nexcelle develops, produces, and supplies nacelle systems for two engine applications: GE Aviation’s Passport, which powers Bombardier’s Global 7500 twin-jet business aircraft; and CFM’s LEAP-1C, which is utilized on the COMAC C919 twin-engine jetliner.

(*) CFM is a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.

About Nexcelle (www.nexcelle.com)

Nexcelle is creating smart nacelle systems for tomorrow’s world travel. Headquartered in Middle River, Maryland, USA, the company is a 50/50 joint venture of Safran Nacelles and Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS), which are leading suppliers of engine nacelles, thrust reversers and aerostructures. Through Nexcelle’s relationship with CFM, GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, the joint venture brings unparalleled expertise in the design, development, production and support of integrated propulsion systems for commercial and business aircraft.

Let Your Career Take Off! Middle River Aerostructure Systems is Hiring 100 New Entry-level Workers for Its Aviation Programs

by

Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) is seeking motivated workers to fill a range of entry-level production-related jobs, with 100 new employees to be hired through April for the company’s manufacturing of jet engine nacelle products that are used on world-leading airliners and business jets.

Among the openings for immediate employment at the company’s Baltimore-area factory, located adjacent to Martin State Airport, are entry-level jobs as aviation assemblers, fabricating bonders, and painters.

Among the current production programs at Middle River Aerostructure Systems are major thrust reverser components used on the Airbus A320neo family of single-aisle jetliners.


“We’re looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals who bring a success-oriented attitude to their work,” said Alex Tinsley, MRAS’ Talent Acquisition Manager. “The new hires will be trained on the job by qualified MRAS personnel – so another characteristic that we look for is the willingness to be taught, and to learn.”

MRAS also is seeking experienced CNC machinists (having one to two years of experience as operators), along with certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanics and quality inspectors.

The starting salary rate for entry-level hourly employees has been increased to $16/hour for the current hiring initiative, with quarterly pay increases, cost of living allowance (COLA) pay, along with pay for differential shifts.  Other incentives include: overtime opportunities; paid time-off and vacation; educational assistance reimbursement; a healthcare benefits package; a 401k savings plan; a program for personal health and safety protection, along with access to an on-site gym and fitness center.

MRAS is a world-leading manufacturer of nacelles (which provide vital protection for jet engines during flight) and thrust reversers (an important part of an aircraft’s braking system), as well as specialized aerostructures. As a business of ST Engineering, it supplies and supports these products for engine makers, airplane manufacturers and aircraft operators.

The company is designated as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic. MRAS follows strict protocols for cleanliness and social distancing, meeting guidelines of the U.S. government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Located in a 1-million sq. ft. facility in Middle River, MRAS and its predecessors have designed, built and equipped civil and military aircraft for more than 90 years. Among its current production programs are major nacelle components and thrust reversers used on aircraft that include the Airbus A320neo family of single-aisle jetliners (under contract to Safran Nacelles), the widebody Boeing 747, and Bombardier’s Global 7500 business jet (for the Nexcelle joint venture).

Many of MRAS’ current programs have long-term production requirements for air transportation and the business travel sector, with its production runs continuing for decades to come.

About Middle River Aerostructure Systems 

Middle River Aerostructure Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers (the braking system on a jet engine), along with engine nacelle components and specialized aerostructures. It supplies and supports these products for engine makers, airplane manufacturers and aircraft operators.

A business of ST Engineering, MRAS is located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, operating in a 1-million sq. ft. facility situated on 180 acres – where the company and its predecessors have designed, built, and equipped civil and military aircraft for more than 90 years. In addition to MRAS’ design, development and manufacturing resources, the company provides technical support and spares services for its products.

ST Engineering is a global technology, defense, and engineering group specializing in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. The Group employs about 23,000 people across offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S., serving customers in the defense, government and commercial segments in more than 100 countries.

Middle River Aerostructure Systems celebrates 90 years of aviation innovation and excellence

by

Rich heritage and integration with new parent company energise and gear company up for next phase of growth

During the Middle River facility’s 90th anniversary celebration, self-guided tours enabled MRAS employees to show their families where they work, while also highlighting the company’s investments in new factory production resources.

Many in the aviation industry would recognise Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) as a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers, engine nacelle components and specialised aerostructures. Few, however, may recall that the company’s rich history began on October 7, 1929, when aspiring aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin opened an aircraft manufacturing facility just outside of Baltimore in the small suburb of Middle River, Maryland. In celebration of this proud heritage that spans 90 years of aviation excellence, over 3,000 employees, family members and industry partners of MRAS gathered at its Middle River facility today to mark the special occasion.

Over the span of these 90 years, MRAS provided strong support to global engine makers, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft operators, and produced civil and military aircraft that became iconic through their innovation, performance and capabilities. These iconic aircraft include the Model M-130 flying boat (known as the famous China Clipper in service with Pan American World Airways), the B-26 Marauder bomber of World War II fame, the Martin P5M flying boat and the Martin 404 airliner.

Today, MRAS maintains a vital role in the aviation industry through its production of jet engine nacelles and aerostructures that are critical to the performance, operational efficiency and flight safety of a wide range of aircraft. Among MRAS’ leading activities is the manufacture of nacelle components for the Airbus A321neo jetliner as a supplier to Safran Nacelles on a programme that represents one of the most rapid production ramp-ups in civil aviation history.

Helping to achieve this industrial feat and more is a team of about 900 salaried and hourly employees who work innovatively with a laser sharp focus on high quality and safety standards at MRAS’ highly modern and technologically advanced facility in Middle River. ST Engineering, a global technology, defence and engineering group which acquired the Middle River company earlier this year, adds to MRAS’ existing strength with their core expertise in MRO and aviation engineering capabilities.

Lim Serh Ghee, President of ST Engineering’s Aerospace sector, said, “MRAS becomes part of the ST Engineering family at a time when it crosses its 90th year mark, which makes 2019 all the more significant as we start charting our growth together. As part of the ST Engineering Group, MRAS will be able to achieve greater growth with the synergy created, as well as the resources that go into expanding their global network and range of offerings.”

Frank Dougherty, MRAS’ Senior Vice President & General Manager, added, “What has gotten MRAS to where it is today are the people, who in various stages of its growth, built and strengthened its foundation. By building on this talent pool with further hires for production and development, and leveraging the resources of new parent company, ST Engineering, we are able to look ahead with confidence and set our sight on greater heights as one of the largest aviation manufacturers in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.” 

 

ST Engineering is a global technology, defence and engineering group specialising in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. The Group employs about 22,000 people across offices in Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, serving customers in the defence, government and commercial segments in more than 100 countries. With more than 500 smart city projects across 70 cities in its track record, the Group continues to help transform cities through its suite of Smart Mobility, Smart Security and Smart Environment solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, ST Engineering reported revenue of $6.7b in FY2018 and it ranks among the largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. It is a component stock of the FTSE Straits Times Index, MSCI Singapore, SGX ESG Transparency Index and SGX ESG Leaders Index.

The Aerospace sector provides integrated aerospace services and solutions through a global network of facilities and affiliates in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, supporting a broad customer base that comprises leading airlines, airfreight operators and armed forces. Its wide spectrum of maintenance and engineering solutions include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; as well as aviation materials and asset management services. The sector also has original equipment manufacturing capabilities and holds proprietary designs in products such as aircraft seats. For more information, please visit www.stengg.com.

Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) is a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers (the braking system on a jet engine), along with engine nacelle components and specialized aerostructures. It supplies and supports these products for engine makers, airplane manufacturers and aircraft operators. MRAS is located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore, operating in a 1.7-million sq. ft. facility situated on 180 acres – where the company and its predecessors have designed, built and equipped civil and military aircraft for 90 years. In addition to design, development and manufacturing, the company provides technical support and spares services for its products.

ST Engineering completes acquisition of MRA Systems, LLC

by

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) refers to its earlier announcements made on 13 September 2018, 29 March 2019 and 14 April 2019 (collectively, “Announcements”) in relation to the proposed acquisition by its US subsidiary, Vision Technologies Aerospace Incorporated, of a 100% ownership in MRA Systems, LLC (MRAS) (the “Proposed Acquisition”).

On 18 April 2019, the Proposed Acquisition was completed at a net consideration of about US$506m (approximately S$683m)¹ in cash, subject to post-completion adjustments for debt-like items and working capital.

MRAS is now an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ST Engineering, whose aerospace capabilities now include the Original Equipment Manufacturer business of high-value nacelle systems and replacement parts. With the inclusion of MRAS, ST Engineering has greatly boosted its network of facilities in the U.S. to support regional and global customers. Its extensive capabilities in the U.S. ranges from services in airframe maintenance, VIP completions and aircraft interior refurbishment to now nacelle design and manufacturing.

The acquisition of MRAS is expected to be earnings accretive for ST Engineering.

¹ In the earlier announcement made on 13 September 2018, the aggregate purchase consideration for the Proposed Acquisition was stated as US$630m (approximately S$868m) before closing adjustments and net consideration was estimated to be US$440 million (approximately S$606 million) after closing adjustments.

ST Engineering is a global technology, defence and engineering group specialising in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. The Group employs about 22,000 people across offices in Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, serving customers in the defence, government and commercial segments in more than 100 countries. With more than 500 smart city projects across 70 cities in its track record, the Group continues to help transform cities through its suite of Smart Mobility, Smart Security and Smart Environment solutions. Headquartered in Singapore, ST Engineering reported revenue of $6.7b in FY2018 and it ranks among the largest companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. It is a component stock of the FTSE Straits Times Index, MSCI Singapore, SGX ESG Transparency Index and SGX ESG Leaders Index.

The Aerospace sector operates a global MRO network with facilities and affiliates in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. An integrated aerospace service provider, it offers a spectrum of maintenance and engineering services that include airframe, engine and component maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering design and technical services; as well as aviation materials and asset management services. The sector has a global customer base that includes leading airlines, airfreight and military operators, and is the world’s largest commercial airframe MRO service provider. For more information, please visit www.stengg.com.

MRAS reinforces its aftermarket and services capabilities

by

Middle River Aircraft Systems is stepping up the capabilities for customer support, services, spares and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul), reflecting the company’s expanded jet engine nacelle programs and its expertise in composite materials.

Fan case work for GEnx-1B engine PIP

MRAS’ expertise with composite materials is applied to the company’s fan case work for the GEnx-1B engine PIP (performance improvement package).

A key driver for the new strategy is MRAS’ role in new nacelle systems that are moving into production and service, particularly for CFM International LEAP-1A turbofan engines that power Airbus A320neo jetliners, and the GE Aviation Passport powerplants on Bombardier’s Global 7000 business jets.

MRAS produces the thrust reverser on the LEAP-1A – with output rates exceeding 500 units annually from 2018 to meet the very rapid production ramp-up for A320neo jetliners. For the Passport engine, MRAS supplies such major nacelle system components as the inlet, inner barrel and fan cowl doors, for which delivery rates are increasing as the Global 7000 receives its airworthiness certification this year, followed by the startup of customer deliveries. Looking further ahead, MRAS provides nacelle components for COMAC’s C919 jetliner, which has two prototypes currently flying and more aircraft being readied to enter flight test.

Additionally, MRAS is applying the company’s specialization in composite technology to maintenance, repair and overhaul opportunities – as illustrated by the performance improvement package (PIP) work for the GE Aviation parent company’s GEnx-1B engines that power Boeing 787s. The GEnx-1B work involves grinding back composite material around the interior fan case’s interior, followed by its rebuild and delivery to GE Aviation.

“Driven by these programs, MRAS is positioning itself to capture the related aftermarket services – building on previous in-house expertise and the ongoing support for some of our legacy products,” explained Frank Dougherty, the General Manager at Middle River Aircraft Systems. “We once again have FAR 145 repair shop certification, with the A320neo thrust reverser’s transcowl now added to this approval.”

As part of this strategy, MRAS has hired Joe Lorentzen as the Aftermarket & Service Leader. Lorentzen brings more than 30 years’ experience as a product support professional, and comes to MRAS from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation – where he was the Director of Gulfstream’s Product Support Contracted Maintenance and Logistics Support services (CMLS).