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 90^th 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.