Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney’s New Airfoil Foundry in Asheville, NC, To Create 800+ Jobs

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Shane Eddy
President
Pratt & Whitney
Source: LinkedIn

Pratt & Whitney staged a ribbon-cutting event for its new turbine airfoil plant in Asheville, NC. The plant forecasts 800 new jobs at the foundry location through 2027.

Described as an “advanced casting foundry,” the plant will have casting capability for airfoil structures for turbofan and high-pressure jet engines. Production of specialty alloy parts with directionally solidified and single-crystal oriented structures will take place along with onsite machining, coating, and finishing capabilities. The new airfoil operation in North Carolina will start in Q2 2023, casting airfoil structures for commercial and military jet engines.

“Pratt & Whitney’s new Asheville facility . . . will support growing demand for GTF engine-powered aircraft and for the F135 engine, which powers the F-35 Lightning II,” stated Shane Eddy, president of Pratt & Whitney.

 

 

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20 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current

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Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel & Company Chatter

  • Bharat Forge America Inc. will build an aluminum forging plant to manufacture automobile components in Sanford, North Carolina.
  • Ipsen USA recently announced the completion of an initiative to expand aftermarket services across the United States and Canada. Five regional sales engineers (RSEs) were hired over the last six months to assist customers with replacement parts, retrofits, upgrades, service, and technical support for any brand of atmosphere or vacuum heat-treating system.
  • An industrial heating technology company, Kanthal, recently launched an additive manufacturing service that will produce heating elements and components, as well as developing a new iron-chromium-aluminum alloy called Kanthal AM100.
  • GKN Aerospace has been selected as a key supplier on the new Gulfstream G700 business jet. The company is using its expertise in the design and manufacture of business jet empennages and thermoplastic components on the advanced aircraft. The rudder and elevators that are part of the empennage, as well as the floorboards, feature the latest thermoplastic technology. GKN Aerospace also produces the bonded fuselage panels for the new fuselage.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony recently marked the opening the new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility of Process Cooling Systems, Inc. in Massachusetts.
  • Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems recently partnered with Humberto Bastidas from Thermal Technic Furnace Solutions.  Gasbarre will be working with Humberto and his team to launch a Spanish version of Gasbarre.com in the coming weeks and will assist with other marketing efforts in that region.

Equipment Chatter

  • A manufacturer of products from carbon recently provided large, custom Sigrabond Performance CFC fixtures to a North American aerospace company. By replacing the current alloy fixture with the new CFC fixtures from SGL Carbon, the customer increased part/fixture weight ratio from 62/38 to 87/13.
  • Two electrically heated multi-zone curing ovens were recently shipped to the composites industry by Wisconsin Oven for the purpose of curing carbon fiber threads.
  • A Model FB1046 floor-standing box furnace has been shipped by L&L Special Furnace Co, Inc., to a worldwide leader of high tech aerospace and associated components located in the Southeastern United States. The furnace will be used for processing aerospace parts and various thermal applications.
  • Danieli Olivotto Ferrè recently started up a tube roller hearth annealing furnace at Tenaris Tamsa, in Veracruz, part of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of steel pipe for the energy and automotive industries. The furnace is designed to treat steel tubes coming from cold or hot processing with a maximum throughput of 5 tons/h. The flexible furnace is able to perform different heat-treatment cycles, including normalizing, annealing, tempering and stress relieving. In addition, Danieli has been selected to supply the new electric arc furnace (EAF) melt shop and plate-/steckel-mill, as well as an electrical and automation package provided by Danieli Automation, for Nucor Corporation and its new greenfield plate steel mill complex in Brandenburg, Kentucky.
  • Dana Incorporated announced the expansion of a joint engineering agreement with Fendt, a worldwide brand of AGCO.  Over the past three years, the companies have co-developed advanced Spicer® 980 independent suspended axles for the new Fendt 900 Vario series of large tractors.
  • Allegheny Technologies Incorporated announced it signed another 1-year agreement to extend and expand carbon steel hot-rolling conversion services for NLMK USA at its world-class hot rolling and processing facility, or HRPF, located in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania.
  • A global leading stainless steel manufacturer with headquarters in Spain, Acerinox, S.A., has reached an agreement for the acquisition from Lindsay Goldberg Vogel GmbH and Falcon Metals BV. of VDM Metals Holding GmbH, with headquarters in Germany and leading producer of specialty alloys.
  • A vacuum furnace for processing additive manufactured parts has been shipped to a large science and technology laboratory by Solar Manufacturing. The lab requires the furnace to further research and development work.
  • Through its subsidiary, Tenova Goodfellow Inc., Canada, Tenova installed and commissioned a peak shaver at VINA Kyoei Steel, Vietnam, providing continuous improvement for melt shop operations.

Kudos Chatter

  • A Ph.D. student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, Lewis Print is the inaugural winner of an international student award in industrial heating, the Kanthal® Student Award, presented by industrial heating technology company Kanthal. The award has been made for his work on the development of new technology for the production of silicon carbide (SiC) heating elements used in high-temperature industrial processes operating in the range 2012°F-2912°F (1100°C-1600°C).
  • At the October fall meeting in Vancouver, Canada, the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) recognized Mary Springer from Thermtech in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with the Heritage Award. The Heritage Award is MTI’s most prestigious award.
  • The Center for Materials Processing Data (CMPD) recently announced three organizations have committed to the Center’s inaugural Industry Member class: Pratt & Whitney (a founding industry member), MTS Systems Corporation, and Weber Metals. This commitment, operating to solidify its formation, has allowed CMPD to greenlight a pilot project focused on the material flow behavior as a function of temperature, strain rate, composition, and prior microstructure processing.
  • Pelican Wire was named the winner of the 25th annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award at this year’s luncheon and awards ceremony. Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the criteria are centered around overcoming adversity to achieve success.
  • ASB Industries, Barberton, Ohio, announced that Charles Kay, ASB vice president, was recognized as an ASM Fellow at the annual ASM Awards Banquet in October. The award citation states, “For global technical leadership in innovative thermal spray technologies, mentoring thermal spray practitioners, and sustained dedicated volunteer service to the thermal spray community.”

Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to editor@heattreattoday.com

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Pratt & Whitney Awarded F135 Production Contract

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Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., recently announced that it has been awarded a production contract for the 12th and 13th lots of F135 propulsion systems, powering all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Matthew Bromberg, president of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines

This award represents the largest-ever F135 production contract, funding more than 332 engines for the U.S. armed services and international customers, and includes program management, engineering support, production support, and tooling. The total contract value for Lot 12-14 is approximately $5.7 billion and it covers all Lot 12 and Lot 13 engines, with priced options for Lot 14.

“This is a significant milestone for the program and underscores the hard work of our joint government and industry team,” said Matthew Bromberg, president of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. “We’re proud to be delivering 5th-generation propulsion capability at a great value for the warfighter. With more than 500 F135 engines delivered to date, we’re at an exciting inflection point for the program. We are laser-focused on standing up an effective global sustainment network that will support the F135 throughout its lifecycle.”

The combat-proven F135 is the most advanced fighter engine ever produced, delivering more than 40,000 lbs. of thrust and unmatched advances in safety, design, performance, and reliability.

 

 

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Aerospace Tech Provider Refines Focus with Acquisition, Spin Offs

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In one of the largest acquisitions in aerospace history, a high technology product and service provider to the building and aerospace industries recently announced the completion of its purchase of a company that provides avionics and information technology systems and services to government agencies and aerospace manufacturers.

United Technologies Corporation’s (UTC) acquisition brings together Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems to create Collins Aerospace Systems.

Gregory Hayes, United Technologies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

“Collins Aerospace brings together two great companies with unmatched expertise in developing electrical, mechanical and software solutions,” said Gregory Hayes, United Technologies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We will have a laser focus on developing innovative solutions for customers and generating strong returns for shareowners.”

In addition, the Farmington, Connecticut-based, UTC announced its intention to spin off its commercial businesses, Otis and Carrier (renamed, formerly Climate, Controls & Security), into independent entities. The acquisition and separation will result in three global companies:

  • United Technologies, comprised of Collins Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney, to be a systems supplier to the aerospace and defense industry; Collins Aerospace was formed through the combination of UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins;
  • Otis, the world’s leading manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways; and
  • Carrier, a global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, building automation, fire safety, and security products.

“Our decision to separate United Technologies is a pivotal moment in our history and will best position each independent company to drive sustained growth, lead its industry in innovation and customer focus, and maximize value creation,” said Hayes. “Our products make modern life possible for billions of people.  I’m confident that each company will continue our proud history of performance, excellence, and innovation while building an even brighter future.  As standalone companies, United Technologies, Otis and Carrier will be ready to solve our customers’ biggest challenges, provide rewarding career opportunities, and contribute positively to communities around the world.”

 

 

 

 

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Delta Air Lines, Airbus Group Select Engine, First Order for 100 A321neo Aircraft

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Edward Bastian, Delta CEO

A global aircraft engine manufacturer recently announced Delta Air Lines and Airbus Group selected the company’s Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engine to power Delta’s order of A321neo aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., also released that the order consists of 100 firm aircraft and includes a 20-year EngineWise™ services agreement. Aircraft deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2020.

“This is the right transaction at the right time for our customers, our employees, and our shareholders,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Delta, Airbus, and Pratt & Whitney share the same commitment to safety, efficiency, innovation and continuously improving the customer experience. This order for the state-of-the-art A321neo with Pratt’s PurePower next-generation jet engines reflects our long-term commitment to these values for Delta people and all our constituents.”

“We couldn’t be more proud of our long-standing relationship with Delta, which dates back to the 1930s,” said Pratt & Whitney President Robert Leduc. “Fast forward nearly 90 years, and the GTF engine has revolutionized aviation technology, and will provide Delta with proven performance and environmental benefits. We are honored to power and support Delta’s new fleet of A321neo aircraft well into the future.”

Robert Leduc, President of Pratt & Whitney

Delta currently operates a fleet of more than 350 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, including the JT8D, PW2000, PW4000 and V2500 engines.

Click this thumbnail for an infographic of the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engine:

 

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Heat Treating Projects Part of Pratt & Whitney Expansion

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Aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney Canada is expanding its production at facilities in Québec with two recently announced furnace projects, with equipment supplied by local machining manufacturer Pyradia Belfab. The first is a low-temperature conveyor drying oven for steel parts complying with AMS2750 standards, and the second is a bottom-loading type furnace to be used for the stress relief of combustion chambers of P&W Canada aero engines. The latter unit will be a high temperature (2000 F) retort furnace using argon/nitrogen and hydrogen equipped with state of the art batching monitoring/logging capabilities.

The projects figure into an expansion effort by Pratt & Whitney, which includes a recently commissioned new fan blade manufacturing facility at its AutoAir plant in Lansing, Michigan. The new 93,000 square-foot facility adds to an already existing GTF fan blade production line in Lansing and is one of thirty dedicated manufacturing, production or assembly locations across the globe performing work on various parts and components of the GTF engine program.

“We are pleased to be a part of this successful engine program,” said Conor Tracy, general manager, Pratt & Whitney AutoAir. “The expansion of the Lansing plant is an opportunity for our employees to contribute to the future of the company, but it is also an exciting opportunity for Lansing to continue to participate in the advanced manufacturing sector and the economic growth of the region.”

In addition to the manufacturing expansion, Pratt & Whitney has four maintenance and repair operations (MRO) facilities to repair and overhaul GTF engines, and additional facilities will be added moving forward.

 

 

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Aerospace Industry in Georgia to Expand

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Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., announced today that it will invest approximately $386 million in its Columbus, Georgia, facility to increase the production of parts and maintenance services and to reduce costs for new and existing engine programs. The investments will go toward the purchase of automated machinery and equipment upgrades and construction of two new buildings on the property.

The building construction will include a 200,000-square-foot facility to overhaul GTF engines. A 20,000-square-foot specialized manufacturing facility and related infrastructure will also be built to house a new isothermal forge press that will be used to manufacture turbine disks and compressor rotors for Pratt & Whitney engines. Other upgrades to equipment and machinery are also planned.

“We’re investing heavily in our Columbus facility to support the increased production and services planned for our F135 and GTF engines,” said Chris Calio, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines. “This investment will help ensure that we have the appropriate infrastructure, tooling and trained workforce in place to provide the best products and services to our customers worldwide. The tremendous support we receive from the community and state have contributed to our success in Georgia.”

“Pratt & Whitney has maintained a presence in Muscogee County since 1984 and this latest expansion speaks to Georgia’s support for our robust aerospace industry,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “Georgia’s pro-business structural framework and deep talent pool help to retain industry leaders such as Pratt & Whitney. By adding these new high-quality manufacturing jobs, Pratt & Whitney is making a significant investment in the Columbus community and we look forward to strengthening this longstanding partnership as the company continues to grow.”

Pratt & Whitney has also expanded its relationship with Columbus Technical College to provide new and existing employees with robust training programs. The school will offer four- to nine-week programs focused on aerospace mechanics and advanced manufacturing technologies to better support the company’s growth. This is one of several skills development programs the company has in place with community colleges and technical schools throughout the U.S.

“This announcement from Pratt & Whitney is the latest example of the hard work put forth every day by our economic development team locally and the professionals at the Georgia Department of Economic Development,” said Brian Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “The project would not have happened without the tremendous relationships we have with the local Pratt & Whitney leadership team here in Columbus as well as those at both Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies Corporation in Connecticut.”

The Columbus Engine Center maintains PW1100G-JM, V2500, PW2000, F117 and F100 engines. Columbus Forge produces compressor airfoils and nickel and titanium forgings, which are machined into critical rotating components for Pratt & Whitney’s military and commercial engines. Both facilities are located on one campus about 90 miles south of Atlanta.

 

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Pratt & Whitney Searching for Products, Services to Ramp Up Monthly Engine Production

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BOTW-50w  Source:  Manufacturing Engineering

“In 2010 P&W delivered about 55 engines a month. In 2017, that number grows to about 100 engines a month. And in 2024, it continues to climb to about 158 engine deliveries a month, she said.

“And I’m doing that with 20-year-old technology and 20-year-old manufacturing processes and a very well-seasoned workforce” that adds significant complexity to the digital manufacturing transformation of the East Hartford, CT-based firm, Hagerty  said during a panel talk on best practices.

“So the challenges ahead of me are steep.”

In an interview with Smart Manufacturing magazine after the panel discussion, Hagerty said she is “fresh into the exploratory phase” to find products and services her firm needs. She has mapped out her requirements.

“Now, I’m reaching out to the service providers” and scheduling visits to firms using products and services that might well work for Pratt & Whitney.”

Read More:  Pratt &Whitney Searching for Products, Services to Ramp UP Monthly Engine Production

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