Collins Aerospace advances digital manufacturing operations with new smart line capabilities in Puerto Rico

• 27,000 square foot site expansion automates printed circuit board assemblies for commercial aviation
• Increases efficiency by up to 35 percent and meets rising customer demand
• Expected to bring 150 new jobs to the region

SANTA ISABEL, PUERTO RICO (Oct. 24, 2019) – Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., (NYSE: UTX), unveiled a new 27,000-square foot facility at the Puerto Rico campus. The facility features smart line, the company’s first major investment in automated manufacturing since becoming Collins Aerospace. The smart line production line will automate the Printed Circuit Board Assemblies build process for commercial aircraft engines and power control applications. The company expects to add up to 150 new jobs at the site, ultimately increasing its Puerto Rico workforce to more than 1,500 employees.

The smart line addition to the Puerto Rico campus demonstrates Collins Aerospace’s accelerated deployment of digital technology across operations, with the latest in automation and digital manufacturing technology. This advanced technology introduces modern equipment, processes and practices that will improve the flow and efficiency of electronic board production. The fully automated line will potentially increase productivity by 35% and enable operators to focus on real-time adaptive problem solving. The line will feature digital optical inspection and automated confirmations to manufacturing systems will enhance operator efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the production increase will continue to support delivery to customers.

The fully automated smart line is the next step for the company in its digital operations journey. To date, the company has over 120 smart projects and initiatives across manufacturing. By 2024, the company has a goal of 10% automation across global manufacturing sites.

In partnership with teams across Collins Aerospace, the smart line is the first step to connecting sourcing and manufacturing – from materials planning, quality, predictive maintenance and inventory management.

“We continue to see advancements in technology that better connects people, systems and machines,” said Paolo Dal Cin, vice present, Operations & Quality, Collins Aerospace. “Our smart line uses an array of modern machines and digital, connected tools to improve the way we work – from productivity to quality. Implementing cutting-edge technologies to the production line and the factory floor is a significant step in modernizing our operations. We look forward to using our Puerto Rico campus as one of our centers of excellence to advance Smart technology.”

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera said, "we are proud that this company continues to rely on the investment and labor climate we offer in Puerto Rico to expand its operations. The aerospace sector is a growing industry on the island and produces over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, with exports of services and goods of about $500 million in 2018. Count on us for future negotiations with a commitment to continue supporting various initiatives to improve Doing Business in Puerto Rico”.