Firth Rixson Forgings LLC, a 200,000 ft 2 closed die forging operation in Liberty County, GA, celebrated its grand opening with a Customer Appreciation event attended by representatives from major aero engine manufacturers and industrial gas turbine producers worldwide.
Touted as the "most significant expansion in the company's history," the facility was custom designed and built to provide rotating components for aircraft engines, with applications ranging from regional jet to wide body aircraft, as well as land-based turbines. Manufacturing will take place in three separate buildings, dedicated to pre-forge, forge, and post-forge activities, respectively. This modular construction provides Firth Rixson will flexibility to respond to customer and market demand.
Announced last January, the project was completed in just over one year and is fully operational, according to CEO David Mortimer. "The technical organization assembled for this facility is industry leading. Our facilities, equipment, and installations are of world-class caliber. Today, Firth Rixson advances its prominent position in the Aerospace industry by delivering a broadened service to our valued customers."
The Liberty County site is the first in the United States for Firth Rixson Forgings, joining three facilities in the UK — Darley Dale, River Don, and Meadowhall — and one in Eger, Hungary. Overall, Firth Rixson owns 11 operating facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Firth Rixson also announced a long-term agreement with Rolls Royce to supply conventional closed die forgings, manufactured at the Georgia facility. "This agreement is a crucial step in our continuing growth in the aerospace market, and builds on our already successful relationship with Rolls Royce," added Mortimer.