Sheffield’s Firth Rixson secures $1 billion US aerospace contract

Sheffield-based Firth Rixson has signed a 10-year agreement valued at more than $1 billion with United Technologies Corporation to supply aero engine and landing gear components.

As UTC ramps up production of its commercial and military aircraft systems and engines, Firth Rixson will provide parts for UTC’s legacy and next generation programs, including Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower® engine family, and UTC Aerospace System’s Boeing 787 and Airbus A320 programs.

David Mortimer, CEO of Firth Rixson said: “UTC demands high standards for quality, delivery, cost and performance and many of our sites have earned UTC Supplier Gold status.

“I am convinced this contributed to our ability to win new business. We are delighted to have gained their customer confidence and secured Firth Rixson as a leading supplier in this globally competitive market.

“The contract also provides incentives for additional growth above and beyond the initial portfolio, which we will work towards obtaining, to further grow UTC as a critical customer.”

“We are pleased to further expand our relationship with Firth Rixson, a supplier with several UTC Supplier Gold sites. This had significant influence on their selection for new business. Gold Suppliers perform better, which naturally makes them more competitive.

Benoit Brossoit, vice president, UTC Operations, said: “This also enables them to meet our expectations for the highest quality standards while also meeting our cost and delivery requirements.

“This is an exciting time for UTC and our suppliers as we prepare to increase our capacity and establish UTC-wide agreements with key suppliers.”