Story ID: 382
Fuel-Systems Supplier Phinia Pushes Into Aerospace
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Precision laser machining draws aerospace interest
Word Count: 399
Phinia, an Auburn Hills, Michigan-based supplier of automotive fuel systems, electrical systems, and aftermarket products, is making its first appearance at the Farnborough International Airshow as it expands its aerospace manufacturing business in Europe.
The company is investing in its engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the UK and France as it captures new customers and sees increasing demand. It has secured EN9100 aerospace certification, launched two aerospace programs, and won two new aerospace contracts.
In concert with the two new customer programs, Phinia’s engineering center in Blois, France, has become its first site certified to support aerospace programs. Meanwhile, its facilities in Gillingham and Stonehouse are expected to receive UK approval later this year as the company adds capacity to support global aerospace and defense programs. The expansion demonstrates the transferability of Phinia’s existing technologies and manufacturing expertise to the aerospace and defense sectors, according to the company.
At Farnborough, Phinia is highlighting advanced manufacturing capabilities to support customers throughout the product life cycle, from early-stage engineering and prototype development through qualification, industrialization, and full-scale production. This includes expertise in precision manufacturing, such as micron-level machining, flow control technologies, and proprietary production processes developed over decades.
Capabilities include electrical discharge machining, electrochemical machining, precision grinding, advanced coatings, and femtosecond laser machining—an area of growing interest among aerospace customers seeking new approaches to precision component manufacturing.
“We’re continuing to invest in the people, processes, and infrastructure to better serve aerospace customers around the world,” said Todd Anderson, Phinia v-p and chief technology officer.
One area generating particular interest among aerospace customers is Phinia’s laser manufacturing capability. While relatively uncommon across much of the aerospace sector, femtosecond laser technology has been used by Phinia in production environments for more than a decade, providing for highly precise cutting and drilling without introducing heat distortion, burrs, or material damage.
Phinia is also seeing increasing interest in its laser welding capabilities, which offer high-strength, repeatable joins with minimal thermal impact.
“We’re seeing strong interest from aerospace customers looking for partners that can deliver both precision and scalability,” Anderson said. “The capabilities we’ve developed over many years in fuel systems and advanced manufacturing are highly transferable, creating exciting opportunities as we continue to expand our presence in aerospace and defense.”