Story ID: 
Robinson Helicopter Adds New MRO Facility
By: Mark Huber
Caption: To maximize efficiency, Robinson organized the new space around the flow of parts.
Word Count: 186
Robinson Helicopter has opened a new stand-alone 37,000-sq-ft MRO facility in Torrance, California. To maximize efficiency, Robinson organized the new space around the flow of parts at the facility. “The goal is to ensure parts are easily accounted for throughout each process and each process is done quickly and efficiently,” said John Hernandez, Robinson’s repair station manager.

Dedicated areas for disassembly and storage of blades, engines, and components—as well as a large media blasting room, a clean room for hydraulic disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning—are all situated in close proximity. In addition to the steady flow of repair and overhauled parts, Robinson performs helicopter repairs and overhauls in-house.

The new facility is set up to efficiently tear-down, clean, and inspect components, engines, and complete aircraft. Once helicopters are disassembled, cleaned, and inspected, they are brought to the main facility for reassembly, paint, flight test, and delivery. Robinson said the demand for quick repair of parts and component overhauls increases each year as the in-service fleet of more than 12,000 helicopters grows. The company delivered its first helicopter 40 years ago.