Collins Aerospace has a strong heritage in the Netherlands, where its sites have been established for more than a century. Collins' presence in the country can be traced back to 1908, when the company first began operating out of Bilthoven / Houten under the name of Inventa.

By 1933, the company, then known as Koninklijke Fabriek Inventum B.V., was well established as a leader in interior heating elements. With its reputation for fast moving engineering innovations, the company integrated its first aerospace heating element on-board a KLM DC8 aircraft in 1956.

Since then, the site has become synonymous with the design, engineering and support of a comprehensive selection of aircraft galley inserts for food and beverage preparation for commercial aircraft. Customers, in-flight crew and passengers around the world appreciate the ergonomic and innovative designs and superior performance of the quality ovens, water heaters, beverage chillers, espresso machines and more.

In 1982, Collins Aerospace expanded and diversified its presence in the Netherlands, adding a dedicated maintenance, repair and overhaul service center at Maastricht Airport. From this campus we manage the maintenance, repair and overhaul of flight critical components, such as composite propeller systems, hydromechanical fuel control systems, fuel pumps, electronic fuel control systems, air management systems and lighting products. These components are installed on a wide range of civil and military platforms, such as twin and single aisle jet aircraft, regional jets and turbo props as well as helicopters. Building on the expertise of a team of well-trained technicians, Collins has developed a strong culture of customer service excellence. Annually over 9000 components are serviced with utmost care and strong quality focus, committed to keeping turnaround times low. Located in the heart of Europe, Collins’ Maastricht hub supports over 300 individual customers including major airlines, regional operators, large and small maintenance and repair organizations, as well as distributors covering North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The latest site to join the Collins Aerospace capabilities portfolio in the Netherlands is Almere, where since 1998 it has been producing thermoplastic components, including landing flap rips, longerons, stiffeners, struts, stringers, seal retainers, brackets, cleats and clips. A wide range of products that can be found on 20 different types of commercial aircraft, ranging from wide bodies and single-aisles, to business jet and helicopter platforms.

The acquisition of Dutch Thermoplastic Components in 2021 further enhanced the Almere site’s thermoplastic component capabilities, with technology extension to complex aerostructures - making aircraft lighter, safer, stronger, more cost-efficient and sustainable.

Today, Collins Aerospace in Almere produces more than 2.000 different thermoplastic composite parts with hundreds of parts currently in qualification. The further expansion of thermoplastic composites on larger and more complex aerostructures is driven by continuous innovation to materials, tooling, processes and automation.

European Innovation Hub – Research & Development programs

Collins' commitment to innovation, research and development has led to the establishment of a European Innovation Hub in Houten. Part of Collins' cabin interiors business, the Advanced Technology & Laboratory focuses on early technology development, providing an incubator to strategically collaborate with leading universities, research centers, government organizations and customers in country and the region.

Areas of design and manufacturing expertise and services

  • Interiors; Galley inserts
  • Advanced Structures; Thermoplastic components
  • Power & Controls; Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)

Highlights

  • European Innovation Hub for Interiors Advanced Technology & Laboratories
  • Global Centre of Excellence for maintenance, repair and overhaul of 14SF, 14RF and 568F composite propeller systems.
  • First F-35 Pilot Readiness Center outside of the United States. Located in Soesterberg, the dedicated in-region center provides the Royal Netherlands Air Force and its international customers with the local tools and support to maintain and improve fleet and pilot readiness, including F-35 helmet fitting and calibration.

Community Relations

Collins is committed to supporting and enriching the communities in which it operates, investing in youth educational programs, continuing education for our workforce and building stronger communities across The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany where our employees live and work.

Locations

Collins Aerospace - Power & Controls

Hamilton Sundstrand Customer Support Center Maastricht BV
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 43 3588 888
[email protected]

Collins Aerospace - Interiors

Houten, The Netherlands

Collins Aerospace - Advanced Structures

Dutch Thermoplastic Components BV
Almere, The Netherlands
Phone: +31-36-2000 123
[email protected]

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