Defence Online

The six-year modernisation program included over $600 million of investments in facilities and technology and has transformed manufacturing capabilities at the Rolls-Royce Indianapolis Operations Center. The revitalised facilities are highly efficient and will improve competitiveness in an increasingly contested marketplace for propulsion and power solutions. The modernised facilities have already significantly improved energy efficiency and helped Rolls-Royce in its journey to become net-zero in carbon use in operations by 2030.

Tom Bell, Chairman and CEO, Rolls-Royce North America, said, “Rolls-Royce has been innovating in Indianapolis for decades to serve our customers. Now, we take a major technological leap into the future with facilities that are among the most advanced and efficient of any Rolls-Royce site, anywhere in the world. We thank all those who have supported us in this journey, including leaders from the state of Indiana, the city of Indianapolis and our federal representatives in Washington, DC.”

Phil Burkholder, Rolls-Royce Defense, Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing, Assembly and Test, said, “Rolls-Royce Indianapolis facilities feature brand-new advanced manufacturing equipment, new and efficient processes, increased flexibility in operations, and have enhanced our ability to pivot to the future in a highly efficient manner. The new facilities also elevate digital engineering and robotics capabilities to maximize operations throughout the manufacturing campus. We look forward to delivering the benefits of these improvements to our customers every day.”

The revitalization program began in 2015, with a vision to transform aging, World War II era manufacturing buildings into the most modern and advanced manufacturing capabilities anywhere. Three primary operations buildings – known as Excellence, Performance and Victory – were upgraded through a carefully orchestrated process in which new technology was designed and installed, and old manufacturing equipment was removed — while continuing to deliver engines and products to customers without interruption.

Additionally, inefficient buildings dating to 1942 were removed, resulting in a smaller footprint but much greater manufacturing capability.

Rolls-Royce continues planning for new test capabilities on the Indianapolis campus to support military engine production, with an announcement expected in the future.

Rolls-Royce Indianapolis primarily serves US military customers, manufacturing engines and components for the C-130J Super Hercules, V-22 Osprey, E-2 Hawkeye, Global Hawk and Triton, F-35B Lightning II, and other military aircraft. The site also produces engines and power components for the US Navy, industrial power generation, commercial aircraft, and helicopter customers.

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