Tanauan City, Batangas — The buzz around Batangas is growing as Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., takes another big step in the Philippines. Just last month, the American aviation giant signed a new agreement to expand its footprint at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), a move that signals confidence in the country’s role in global aerospace manufacturing.
The expansion isn’t small — an additional 7,846 square meters will be added to Collins Aerospace’s existing facility, with the new plant expected to open by the third quarter of 2026. For workers and communities around FPIP, this means more opportunities and a stronger presence of high-tech manufacturing in the region.
FPIP Senior Vice President Yutaro Kuryu said the project is more than just about space — it’s about momentum.
“It not only reflects the growing demand for advanced aerospace manufacturing in the country, but also highlights FPIP’s ability to support companies like Collins Aerospace in growing their operations while generating employment for Filipinos,” Kuryu shared.
On the company’s side, Mary DeStaffan, General Manager of Collins Aerospace Philippines, explained that the expansion is about keeping pace with the aviation industry’s rapid growth.
“This growth is critical for Collins to best support the rapidly growing aviation industry in-country and in the region, as well as airliners and airframers around the globe,” she said.
Collins Aerospace is known for producing airplane cabin interiors — from galleys and lavatories to seating systems. Recently, the company made headlines after supplying new economy class seats for the refurbished Philippine Airlines Airbus A321ceo fleet, giving passengers a taste of its innovation.
Beyond cabin products, Collins has also been part of the country’s aviation modernization push. In 2025, it partnered with New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) to roll out digital solutions at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), aimed at improving passenger experience and streamlining airport operations.
FPIP itself is a powerhouse — a 600-hectare industrial estate established in 1996 through a joint venture between First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. Today, it hosts more than 150 locators and provides jobs for nearly 80,000 workers. Since Collins Aerospace set up shop there in 2012, the park has been a steady partner in its growth story.
With this latest expansion, Collins Aerospace is not just building a bigger facility — it’s reinforcing its commitment to the Philippines as a hub for advanced manufacturing and skilled talent. #END
News Source: BUSINESS MIRROR
Photo credit: Firstbalfour.com