UK supply chain specialist Farsound Aviation (Stand N74) aims to further raise its profile in the Asia Pacific market. Farsound believes it can parlay its knowledge of the local marketplace and supply chain to generate significant new business. Managing director Dave Skinner sees the MRO industry in Asias growing faster than in Europe, prompting him to focus much of his attention on places such as Singapore and China, where it plans to open a new office soon.
“We’re really just following the big MRO operators,” said Skinner. “Where they put their facilities is where we channel our focus.”
Singapore's reputation for reliability and dependability has attracted several OEMs to establish MRO facilities on the island. Pratt & Whitney, for example, operates several engine overhaul as well as component repair facilities. Farsound also cites Singapore’s English-speaking population, good logistics infrastructure, business friendly environment and excellent legal system as magnets for commerce.
“Because the local MRO industry has developed to such an extent, most of the work can be conducted here, eliminating the need to send so many components and parts overseas,” added Skinner. “Singapore is also moving up the value chain by taking on more manufacturing work.”
Now concentrating largely on the civil engine aftermarket, Farsound next hopes to expand into bigger defense markets and the petrochemical industry.