BEML begins work on aerospace unit at SEZ

The BEML Limited, a defence public sector undertaking, is moving forward in the aerospace vertical as part of the expansion of its defence business. In this regard, BEML has begun work on an aerospace manufacturing division at SEZ near the Bangalore International Airport, Devanahalli.

The ground breaking for commencing the civil works was performed by BEML Chairman & Managing Director V RS Natarajan in the presence of functional directors and other senior executives. BEML Limited is the first company to set up Aerospace Facility at a SEZ. The construction work has begun and this infrastructure facility shall be ready by September this year. This will pave the way for BEML to enter into Aircraft component manufacturing field. This is the second new aerospace manufacturing facility.

This aerospace facility will be capable of manufacturing aerospace components and parts, assembling aircraft and helicopters up to 21 metres tall. The facility is spread over 3,00,000 sq ft and the company has invested Rs 455 crores into this project. BEML has already set up an aerospace manufacturing division at Mysore and got certified qualifying them to design aircraft, helicopter and engine parts. Presently, this division is manufacturing ground support equipmentôground handling equipment like aircraft towing tractor, crash fire tender, weapon loader, jigs & fixtures, sub-assemblyomponents for SU-30 aircraft.

With the opening of a new facility at Bangalore, Mysore Aerospace Division will be dedicated towards manufacturing of ground support and handling equipment only whereas the manufacturing of aerospace and related parts will be moved to Bangalore factory.

The upcoming aerospace SEZ facility will have assembly hangar to produce sub/major assembly with 21-metre height for civil / military aircraft and also could be used for assembly of 90-100 seater aircraft and for the MRO of a fixed or rotary wing aircraft, sheet metal shop along with chemical milling centre, machine shop with heat treatment and surface treatment shops and composite facility.

With all these, BEML is able to take up jobs in aerospace segment right from design, virtual testing, precision/heavy manufacturing of sub-sub assembly, sub-assembly, aggregates and parts. BEML will be able to harness all offset opportunities.