Released on April 21, 2009

Turbine engine parts manufacturer Chromalloy, San Antonio, announced a $16.5 million investment to expand its facility in Tampa, Fla., to offer additional investment casting capabilities.

The company, which produces aftermarket parts for turbine engines in aerospace and land-based applications, already makes parts via the investment casting process at its Tampa plant, one of more than 30 operations and sales offices worldwide.

According to a press release issued by Chromalloy, operational improvements at the Tampa plant will begin immediately and the new equipment, including vacuum furnaces, will be installed beginning in July. Facility enhancements will be completed by year-end, and the company plans to ramp up production in early 2010.

Chromalloy’s Tampa operation employs 195. The company anticipates hiring up to 200 additional skilled employees as the new casting equipment and furnaces become operational.

“Expanding our casting capability will give Chromalloy superior ability to provide engine-ready parts,” Lauzon said. “Working with original equipment manufacturers and directly with the operators, our technical staff will design the components, develop the tooling and manufacturing concepts, and manage the entire supply chain process to deliver complete, engine-ready components.”

Chromalloy designs and manufactures replacement parts for aircraft engines that are FAA certified. In support of land-based power generation turbines, the company employs identical engineering disciplines used to produce its FAA-certified parts. Chromalloy serves commercial and military customers worldwide and has operations in the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, the U.A.E., Israel, China, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Australia.

“Expanding the capabilities at our Tampa facility will offer engine manufacturers and operators a single source for replacement parts, from design and development through machining and coating,” said Armand Lauzon, Jr., Chromalloy president.