MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr Aerospace Expands Michigan Facility to Boost MRO Services
Liebherr-Aerospace opens a new 33,000 sq ft Michigan facility to enhance MRO capabilities amid growing aerospace market demand.
Liebherr-Aerospace’s recent expansion in Saline, Michigan, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to the aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. On October 1, 2025, the company officially opened a new 33,000 square foot facility, representing the fifth expansion at this location since 1993. This development comes at a time when the global aerospace MRO market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing aircraft utilization, aging fleets, and supply chain constraints that have extended the operational life of existing aircraft.
The Michigan facility’s expansion is not an isolated event but part of Liebherr’s broader strategy to enhance its global footprint and service capabilities, particularly in North-America. With the aerospace MRO market projected to reach $187.3 billion by 2030, Liebherr’s investment aligns with industry dynamics and positions the company to meet the evolving needs of commercial, military, and business aviation customers. This article explores the significance of Liebherr’s expansion, the context of the global MRO market, and the broader implications for the aerospace industry.
By examining the company’s historical foundation, facility specifications, market context, and strategic direction, we gain insight into how Liebherr is leveraging its legacy and expertise to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving sector. The analysis also considers the company’s financial performance, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainability, providing a comprehensive overview of its strategic positioning in the aerospace MRO landscape.
Liebherr’s origins trace back to 1949, when Hans Liebherr founded the company in Germany with the invention of the mobile tower crane. This innovation laid the groundwork for a family-run technology enterprise that would grow into a global leader in construction equipment and, later, aerospace systems. Liebherr entered the aerospace sector in 1960, establishing Liebherr-Aero-Technik GmbH in Lindenberg, Germany, and began developing proprietary components and systems for aircraft.
Over the decades, Liebherr-Aerospace evolved from a license holder to a comprehensive system provider, focusing on in-house development and manufacturing. Today, Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, headquartered in Toulouse, France, is one of 13 product segments within the Liebherr Group. The division serves civil and defense aviation markets worldwide, offering environmental control, flight control, landing gear, and on-board electronics for a wide range of aircraft, as well as HVAC systems for rail vehicles.
The Liebherr Group’s financial strength underpins its expansion capabilities. In 2024, the group reported a record revenue of €14,622 million, with a global workforce exceeding 54,700. This scale and stability enable significant investments in new facilities and technologies, supporting the aerospace division’s growth and resilience even amid market fluctuations.
The newly inaugurated building at Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc. spans 33,000 square feet (3,065 square meters) and adjoins the company’s existing facilities in Michigan. This latest expansion, opened in October 2025, was celebrated by over 300 employees and local stakeholders, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to the region since the site’s establishment in 1993.
Designed to address growing customer demand, the facility enhances Liebherr’s capacity for testing, repair, overhaul, and recore of heat transfer equipment used in aircraft from major Manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, and Mitsubishi. The expansion also increases landing gear processing capabilities and enlarges the area for pneumatic component MRO activities, optimizing internal processes and supporting a wider range of products. This investment is strategically timed, as the global aerospace MRO market is projected to grow from $135.7 billion in 2024 to $187.3 billion by 2030. North America’s component MRO segment alone is valued at approximately $6.5 billion annually, highlighting the importance of localized, state-of-the-art facilities that can provide rapid turnaround and high-quality service to airline operators facing increased operational pressures.
“The positive and overwhelming acceptance by our customers has allowed us to expand our offerings worldwide, thus validating our strategy to be close to our customers. Furthermore, by expanding the network we are shortening the overall Turn Around Time by eliminating transportation time, cutting down on cost and lowering our carbon footprint.”, Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer, Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS
The aerospace MRO industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by several key factors. The average age of the global aircraft fleet has increased to 13.4 years, up from 12.1 years in 2024, primarily due to production backlogs and delayed deliveries of new aircraft. As airlines operate older planes longer, the need for regular and sophisticated maintenance intensifies, creating sustained demand for MRO services.
Supply chain challenges have resulted in a backlog of over 17,000 unfilled aircraft orders, with current production rates indicating a 14-year wait to clear these orders. Regulatory directives have further increased MRO demand, requiring extensive inspections of critical engine components on thousands of aircraft. Airlines are maximizing utilization of their existing fleets, with global aircraft utilization projected to exceed 112 million flight hours annually by 2035, a 39% increase from 2024.
Component MRO, in particular, has seen a surge in demand. This segment benefits from the complexity of modern aircraft systems and the need for specialized expertise in maintaining components such as heat exchangers, landing gear, and pneumatic systems. Industry experts highlight that delayed aircraft deliveries and extended use of older fleets have fueled greater reliance on component maintenance, directly benefiting providers like Liebherr.
North America is the world’s largest aerospace MRO market, with a market size of $24.1 billion in 2024 and forecasts indicating growth to almost $30 billion by 2034. The region’s dominance is supported by a large installed base of commercial and military aircraft, as well as a robust network of MRO providers, including OEMs and independent service organizations.
Liebherr competes with major players such as General Electric Aviation and Lufthansa Technik, both of which generate substantial revenue from their MRO operations. The U.S. aerospace component MRO market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2019, with landing gear maintenance accounting for over 18% of global revenue share in this segment. Liebherr’s expanded Michigan facility, with its focus on landing gear and heat transfer systems, is well positioned to capture additional market share.
The regulatory environment also shapes demand, with Federal Aviation Regulations mandating maintenance programs for various classes of operators. Part 121 carriers and Part 135 operators must adhere to strict inspection and overhaul intervals, ensuring a steady flow of work for MRO providers. Liebherr’s proximity to key airline customers in North America offers a logistical advantage, reducing turnaround times and transportation costs.
Liebherr’s expansion strategy centers on customer proximity, operational efficiency, and a comprehensive service offering. By investing in local facilities, the company can reduce turnaround times, improve cost efficiency, and minimize the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping of components. This approach aligns with customer expectations for rapid, reliable service and supports airlines’ efforts to maximize aircraft availability. The Michigan facility’s capabilities reflect industry trends toward integrated, multi-product MRO services. By offering testing, repair, overhaul, and recore for heat transfer equipment and other components, Liebherr provides a one-stop solution for operators of Airbus, Boeing, and other major aircraft types. This integration simplifies maintenance logistics for customers and enhances Liebherr’s value proposition.
Liebherr also emphasizes employee engagement and sustainable operations. The company recognizes the contributions of its workforce and incorporates environmentally friendly technologies and processes into its facilities. These efforts not only improve operational performance but also support the company’s broader commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
“It is also important that we recognize the sustainable contributions of our employees. This milestone is proof of their daily contribution to our success. Thanks to their tireless commitment and the new local conditions that the new building provides us with, we can respond even more quickly to the growing demand from our customers and strengthen our long-term competitiveness.”, Will Dew, Managing Director Commercial, Liebherr-Aerospace Saline
Liebherr’s strong financial performance enables continued investment in facility expansion, research, and technological development. The aerospace division contributed €1.3 billion to group sales in 2016, and the group’s overall revenue reached €14,622 million in 2024. This financial stability supports ongoing projects in Michigan, Brazil, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting confidence in long-term market growth.
Beyond physical expansion, Liebherr invests heavily in innovation. The company has developed environmentally friendly High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) coating processes as alternatives to traditional chrome-plating, meeting regulatory requirements without compromising quality. Digitalization initiatives, such as predictive maintenance and advanced data analytics, are being integrated across operations to enhance efficiency and customer service.
The company’s global logistics strategy also plays a crucial role. The new logistics center in Tupelo, Mississippi, with a $176 million investment, will serve as a continental warehouse for the Americas, supporting aerospace and other product segments. This integration streamlines parts availability and distribution, further strengthening Liebherr’s MRO capabilities in North America.
Environmental Sustainability is a core element of Liebherr’s corporate strategy. The Michigan facility’s proximity to key markets reduces transportation-related carbon emissions, while investments in advanced coating technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure demonstrate the company’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
The company’s initiatives extend to workforce development and community engagement. By recognizing employee contributions and fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, Liebherr ensures that its growth benefits not only customers but also local communities and the broader industry.
These efforts are complemented by global investments in sustainable facility design, renewable energy integration, and process optimization, positioning Liebherr as a responsible leader in the aerospace MRO sector. Liebherr-Aerospace’s expansion in Michigan exemplifies a strategic, well-timed investment that addresses both current and future demands in the aerospace MRO market. The new facility enhances capacity, reduces turnaround times, and improves customer proximity, all while supporting the company’s broader goals of sustainability and operational excellence.
As the global MRO market continues to grow, driven by aging fleets, production backlogs, and increased aircraft utilization, Liebherr’s integrated approach, combining OEM expertise, advanced technology, and a focus on customer service, positions the company for continued leadership. Ongoing investments in innovation, logistics, and sustainability will enable Liebherr to adapt to industry trends and maintain its competitive edge in the years ahead.
What is the significance of Liebherr-Aerospace’s new Michigan facility? How does the new facility align with industry trends? What sustainability measures are incorporated in Liebherr’s expansion? How does Liebherr’s investment strategy support its growth? What are the future prospects for the aerospace MRO market?
Liebherr-Aerospace’s Strategic Expansion in the United States: New Michigan Facility Strengthens Global MRO Capabilities
Corporate Background and Historical Foundation
The New Michigan Facility: Specifications and Strategic Importance
Market Dynamics and Industry Context
Regional Market Analysis and Competitive Landscape
Strategic Positioning and Customer Value Proposition
Financial Performance, Investment, and Innovation
Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Conclusion
FAQ
The facility expands Liebherr’s MRO capacity for heat transfer equipment, landing gear, and pneumatic components, addressing growing demand in North America and supporting faster turnaround times for airline customers.
It responds to increased MRO demand driven by aging aircraft fleets, supply chain delays, and higher aircraft utilization, and positions Liebherr to serve a growing market with advanced, localized services.
The company emphasizes reduced transportation emissions, environmentally friendly coating technologies, and energy-efficient facility design as part of its commitment to sustainability.
Strong financial performance enables ongoing investment in facility expansion, logistics, and technological innovation, supporting long-term competitiveness and market leadership.
The global MRO market is projected to grow to $187.3 billion by 2030, driven by continued aircraft utilization, aging fleets, and technological advancements in maintenance and repair.
Sources
Photo Credit: Liebherr-Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr and Röder Expand MRO for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision deepen cooperation to overhaul main landing gear for Embraer E-Jet E1 family, enhancing capacity and reducing turnaround times.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr-Aerospace.
Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH and Röder Präzision GmbH have officially announced a significant expansion of their MRO cooperation. According to a joint statement released in early February 2026, the new agreement tasks Röder Präzision with the overhaul of structural components for the main landing gear of the Embraer E-Jet E1 family. This move builds upon a pre-existing partnership that was previously limited to nose landing gear components.
The deepened collaboration comes as the global aviation industry faces rising demand for maintenance capacity. By integrating Röder Präzision’s Egelsbach facility into the supply chain for main landing gear structures, Liebherr aims to increase industrial capacity and reduce turnaround times (TAT) for operators of the E170, E175, E190, and E195 aircraft. The agreement is effective immediately, with operations expected to scale up throughout 2026.
As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the E-Jet landing gear system, Liebherr-Aerospace retains authority over the final product, while leveraging Röder’s specialized capabilities to handle the volume of structural repairs required by the aging global fleet.
The agreement establishes a clear division of responsibilities designed to optimize the overhaul process. While Röder Präzision takes on the industrial heavy lifting for individual components, Liebherr maintains control over the critical airworthiness certification and system integration.
Liebherr’s facility in Lindenberg remains the center of competence for the program. The OEM is responsible for the “top-level” processes, which include:
Röder Präzision, an established MRO provider, will handle the detailed industrial overhaul of the structural parts. Their scope includes:
According to the announcement, Röder has invested in expanded machinery and specific employee qualification programs to meet the technical demands of the main landing gear, which involves larger and more complex components than the nose gear they previously handled.
The timing of this agreement is driven by the lifecycle of the Embraer E-Jet E1 fleet. The aircraft family, which entered service in the mid-2000s, is currently experiencing a “bow wave” of heavy maintenance requirements.
Landing gear overhaul intervals for the E-Jet are typically set at 10 years or 20,000 flight cycles for the E190/195, and 12 years or 30,000 flight cycles for the E170/175. With a significant portion of the global fleet reaching these milestones simultaneously, the demand for overhaul slots has surged. By utilizing a domestic German supply chain, Liebherr intends to minimize logistics costs and shipping times, offering a faster alternative to non-European vendors. “This cooperation is a win-win situation. We are covering global needs that are sure to arise in the near future. At the same time, we can offer our customers greater capacities and faster turnaround times thanks to short delivery routes.”
— Gerd Heinzelmann, Managing Director, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
Bastian Heberer, CEO of the Röder Group, emphasized that the deal is built on a foundation of trust established during their previous work on nose landing gear.
“We are very pleased to be able to deepen the long-standing, trust-based partnership with Liebherr with this agreement. With our targeted investments in machinery and the qualification of our employees, we are a reliable partner for Liebherr.”
— Bastian Heberer, CEO, Röder Group
This agreement highlights a growing trend in the MRO sector where OEMs are increasingly relying on trusted third-party providers to manage capacity constraints. While OEMs like Liebherr hold the intellectual property and certification authority, the sheer volume of mature fleets, like the E-Jet E1, requires more industrial throughput than many OEMs can manage alone without expanding their own physical footprint.
By outsourcing the component-level repair work to Röder while keeping the high-value assembly and certification in-house, Liebherr effectively creates a “hybrid” MRO model. This allows them to scale capacity rapidly in response to the current market surge without bearing the full capital expenditure of building new component repair shops. For operators, the promise of a “domestic solution” within Germany suggests a focus on supply chain resilience, reducing the risk of delays associated with cross-border logistics.
What aircraft are covered by this agreement? When does the new cooperation begin? Does Röder Präzision certify the landing gear? Sources: Liebherr-Aerospace
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision Expand Partnership for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear Overhaul
Operational Division of Labor
Liebherr-Aerospace (Lindenberg)
Röder Präzision (Egelsbach)
Strategic Context: The E-Jet “Overhaul Wave”
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement covers the Embraer E-Jet E1 family, which includes the E170, E175, E190, and E195 models.
The cooperation is effective immediately, with the volume of overhaul work expected to scale up successively throughout 2026.
No. Röder performs the overhaul of structural components, but Liebherr-Aerospace retains responsibility for final testing and airworthiness certification.
Photo Credit: Liebherr
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