Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) (www.stengg.com) recently announced that its US subsidiary has agreed to acquire MRA Systems from General Electric Co.

With 90 years of history in the aviation industry, MRA Systems is an established manufacturer of engine nacelle systems for both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

It is based in Baltimore (Maryland) and has about 800 employees. ST Engineering has been looking to invest in new growth areas, and it sees MRA Systems is a “strong fit”.

The latter has a good combination of mature and next-generation nacelle programmes, including the A320neo powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engine, which is Airbus’s new-engine option for its A320 aircraft family.

In partnership with Safran Nacelles, which was awarded the single-source contract by Airbus for A320neo’s LEAP-1A engine nacelles in 2012, MRA Systems has delivered over 500 LEAP-1A units so far.

Lim Serh Ghee, president of ST Engineering’s aerospace sector, said: “Moving upstream into the business of designing
and manufacturing nacelles will allow us to benefit directly from the robust growth of the global aircraft fleet as an OEM, and it will enable us to serve our customers better through an enhanced suite of products and services.

“MRA Systems fits into this strategic intent, given its strong portfolio of intellectual properties and programmes supporting high-growth aircraft platform such as the A320neo.”