## Collins Aerospace Deepens Indian Commitment with Advanced Bengaluru Manufacturing Hub

In a significant boost to India's aerospace and defense sector, Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The sprawling 26-acre campus, known as the Collins India Operations Center (CIOC), is located in the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) Aerospace Park and represents a major expansion of the company's two-decade-plus presence in the country. This new center is poised to become a critical node in the global aerospace supply chain, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies and a substantial local workforce to produce a wide array of sophisticated aviation components for worldwide markets. The facility is expected to play a important role in the "Make in India" initiative, enhancing the nation's indigenous manufacturing capabilities while integrating cutting-edge digital and AI-driven processes into its industrial ecosystem.

The establishment of the CIOC is a cornerstone of a larger strategic investment by RTX in India. The company has committed USD 100 million to this new manufacturing site, which is part of a broader USD 250-million investment plan earmarked for the country several years ago.[1][2] This facility will not only scale up production but also create significant employment opportunities, with plans to host more than 2,200 employees by 2026.[1][3][4][2] The center will initially focus on manufacturing a diverse portfolio of over 70 products.[3][2] These include essential aircraft components such as seating, lighting, and cargo systems, as well as critical technology like temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, and water solutions.[1][3][4][2] This localization of production is expected to streamline the product development lifecycle, reduce operational costs, and improve supply chain efficiency for Collins Aerospace globally.[5]

A key element of the new facility is its deep integration of Industry 4.0 principles, signaling a shift towards a more intelligent and connected manufacturing paradigm. The CIOC will be equipped with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and robotics.[1][3][4][2] The implementation of an Industry 4.0 Building Management System will create a connected ecosystem designed to enhance the speed and quality of production and delivery.[4] This focus on automation and data-driven manufacturing is critical for the aerospace industry, where precision, quality control, and efficiency are paramount. The use of AI can optimize production schedules, predict maintenance needs for machinery, and improve quality inspection processes, while robotics can handle repetitive and high-precision tasks, increasing output and ensuring consistency. The facility is also designed with sustainability in mind, having received both LEED Silver and Indian Green Building Council Silver certifications.[3][4]

This manufacturing expansion complements another recent key investment by Collins in the region: a new Engineering Development and Test Center (EDTC), also located in Bengaluru.[6][7] Opened earlier in the year, this center streamlines product development, testing, and certification of components locally, significantly reducing the time it takes to bring new aerospace technologies to market.[6][7][8][9][10] By conducting rigorous tests that simulate harsh operating conditions—such as extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and electromagnetic interference—in India, Collins can identify and make design adjustments much earlier in the development process.[6][7][9][10][11] This capability not only accelerates innovation but also enhances the 'Made-in-India' value proposition, allowing locally manufactured parts to be certified faster by global aviation regulators.[7] The EDTC initially supports Collins' avionics, advanced structures, interiors, and power and controls businesses, with plans to eventually serve all RTX businesses in the country.[6][8][9][10][11]

The inauguration of the Collins India Operations Center solidifies Bengaluru's status as India's premier aerospace hub and reinforces the country's strategic importance in the global supply chain.[8][10] Collins Aerospace has been operating in India for nearly three decades and has grown its footprint to over 6,500 employees across various functions, including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.[3][4][2] The company's continued investment reflects its confidence in India's robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, and competitive manufacturing landscape.[5] By bringing advanced manufacturing and high-skilled jobs to the region, Collins is not only enhancing its own operational excellence but also contributing significantly to India's economic growth and its ambition to become a self-reliant and major player in the global aerospace and defense industry.[5]