Story ID: 
Rolls-Royce Modernizes Indianapolis Facilities
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Rolls-Royce North America has completed a $500 million modernization program at its Indianapolis campus, where it manufacturers aircraft engines.
Word Count: 210
Rolls-Royce North America has completed a $500 million modernization program at its Indianapolis campus, where it manufactures engines and components for helicopters and defense and commercial aircraft. Six years in the making, the now-revitalized facilities have improved energy efficiency and are helping Rolls-Royce meet its goal to become net-zero in carbon use in operations by 2030.

“Rolls-Royce has been innovating in Indianapolis for decades. 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,” said Rolls-Royce North America chairman and CEO Tom Bell. The new facilities also employ more digital engineering and robotics capabilities to maximize operations throughout the manufacturing campus.

Three primary World War II-era operations buildings were upgraded through an 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. While several inefficient buildings dating to 1942 were also demolished, Rolls-Royce said the improved efficiency at the three revamped operations buildings resulted in greater manufacturing capability despite the smaller footprint.

Rolls-Royce also plans to soon add new test capabilities at the Indianapolis campus to support military engine production.