Collins Aerospace Opens New Manufacturing Hub in Bengaluru India

Collins Aerospace Deepens Indian Roots with New Bengaluru Manufacturing Hub

In a significant move that reinforces India’s growing prominence in the global aerospace manufacturing landscape, Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has officially inaugurated its new Collins India Operations Center (CIOC). Announced on November 11, 2025, this sprawling facility is strategically located at the KIADB Aerospace Park in Bengaluru, a city often regarded as India’s aerospace and technology capital. The opening marks a pivotal expansion of the company’s operational footprint, designed to bolster its capacity to produce a wide array of advanced aerospace components for a worldwide market.

The establishment of the CIOC is more than just the construction of a new building; it represents a substantial investment in technology, talent, and the future of aerospace manufacturing. This center is poised to become a critical node in Collins Aerospace’s global supply chain, leveraging India’s skilled workforce and industrial ecosystem. By integrating cutting-edge manufacturing processes and focusing on a diverse product portfolio, the facility is set to enhance the company’s ability to meet the dynamic demands of the international aviation industry, ensuring operational excellence and timely delivery of critical systems.

This development is a cornerstone of a broader strategic vision for RTX in India. The new center not only expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities but also deepens a partnership that has spanned nearly three decades. As we explore the specifics of this facility, its technological underpinnings, and its place within the company’s long-term strategy, it becomes clear that the CIOC is a testament to a sustained commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration within the Indian aerospace sector.

A Strategic Hub for Advanced Manufacturing

The Collins India Operations Center is a facility built to scale, reflecting a clear and decisive investment in future growth. Occupying a 26-acre plot, the center provides ample space for current production needs and future expansion. The financial commitment behind this project is substantial, with a reported $100 million invested in the facility’s development. This figure is a significant part of a larger, more comprehensive $250 million investment plan that RTX has earmarked for its operations in India, signaling a strong belief in the region’s potential as a strategic hub.

Beyond the physical infrastructure and financial investment, the CIOC is set to become a major source of employment and economic contribution for the Bengaluru region. Projections indicate that the facility will employ over 2,200 people by 2026, creating a wide range of opportunities for skilled professionals in engineering, manufacturing, and operations. This influx of jobs will not only support the local economy but also further cultivate the specialized talent pool that has made Bengaluru a magnet for high-tech industries.

In line with modern industrial standards, the CIOC has been developed with a strong focus on environmental responsibility. The site has achieved both LEED Silver and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Silver certifications. These credentials underscore a commitment to sustainable operations, resource efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint. By adhering to these rigorous standards, Collins Aerospace ensures that its expansion is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally conscious, setting a benchmark for industrial development in the region.

Powering Global Aviation with Indian Manufacturing

At the core of the CIOC’s operational strategy is the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. The facility is designed to be a showcase of Industry 4.0 principles, equipped with systems leveraging artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and robotics. These technologies are managed through a sophisticated Building Management System, which is engineered to optimize production workflows, enhance quality control, and increase overall efficiency. This technological foundation allows for greater precision and speed, which are critical in the highly regulated aerospace industry.

The initial production portfolio for the CIOC is both diverse and essential to modern aircraft. The facility will manufacture a range of products including passenger seats, cabin lighting, and cargo systems that are fundamental to the aircraft interior. It will also produce critical operational components such as temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, and advanced water solutions. Furthermore, the production of evacuation slides highlights the center’s role in manufacturing vital safety equipment, demonstrating the high level of trust and responsibility placed upon this new operation.

This carefully selected product mix positions the CIOC as a versatile and indispensable part of the Collins Aerospace global network. The components manufactured in Bengaluru are destined for international markets, directly supporting aircraft assembly lines and maintenance operations around the world. This global reach not only strengthens the company’s supply chain resilience but also integrates the Indian manufacturing ecosystem more deeply into the fabric of international aviation.

“The Collins India Operations Center will drive operations and manufacturing for more than 70 Collins products, enhancing worldwide service transformation and delivering operational excellence. The CIOC will also have incremental capacity to support future growth opportunities and customer requirements.” – Roy Gullickson, senior vice president of operations at Collins Aerospace.

Strengthening a Three-Decade Partnership

The opening of the CIOC is the latest chapter in a long and established history for Collins Aerospace in India. The company has been present in the country for nearly three decades, steadily building a robust presence that extends across multiple functions. With an existing workforce of over 6,500 employees, Collins already operates significant engineering, digital, manufacturing, and supply chain teams in India. This new facility is a natural evolution of that long-standing commitment, building upon a solid foundation of experience and local expertise.

The CIOC is a key component of RTX’s multifaceted investment strategy in India. Of the total $250 million plan, $100 million has been allocated to a dedicated engineering and test development center, while another $50 million has been invested in the Pratt & Whitney India engineering center. This holistic approach demonstrates a vision that encompasses the full spectrum of aerospace development, from initial design and engineering to final manufacturing and testing. It positions India not just as a manufacturing location, but as a comprehensive hub for innovation.

This strategic expansion aligns with a broader industry trend where major aerospace and defense corporations are increasing their manufacturing and engineering footprint in India. The country’s combination of a large, skilled talent pool, a growing domestic market, and a supportive industrial policy environment makes it an attractive destination for investment. By launching the CIOC, Collins Aerospace not only enhances its own capabilities but also contributes to the maturation of India’s aerospace ecosystem, solidifying its position on the world stage.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Aerospace in India

The inauguration of the Collins India Operations Center in Bengaluru is a landmark event, symbolizing a powerful synergy between a global aerospace leader and a nation on the rise. The facility represents a significant investment in advanced manufacturing, underpinned by cutting-edge technology, a commitment to sustainability, and the creation of thousands of skilled jobs. By producing a diverse range of critical aerospace components for global markets, the CIOC strengthens Collins Aerospace’s worldwide supply chain and reinforces its operational resilience.

Looking ahead, the CIOC is more than just a factory; it is a strategic asset that signals a deep, long-term commitment to India as a hub for both manufacturing and engineering innovation. This move is indicative of a larger trend in the global aerospace industry, where collaboration and strategic geographic diversification are key to future success. As the CIOC ramps up its operations, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of aviation, not only for Collins Aerospace but for the Indian aerospace industry as a whole.

FAQ

Question: What is the Collins India Operations Center (CIOC)?
Answer: The CIOC is a new 26-acre advanced manufacturing facility opened by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, in Bengaluru, India. It is designed to produce a wide range of aerospace products for global markets.

Question: How many jobs is the new facility expected to create?
Answer: The facility is projected to employ over 2,200 people by the year 2026.

Question: What types of products will be manufactured at the CIOC?
Answer: The initial product lineup includes seats, lighting, cargo systems, temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, water solutions, and evacuation slides.

Question: What advanced technologies will the CIOC use?
Answer: The facility will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and robotics, along with an Industry 4.0 Building Management System.

Sources: RTX News