Story ID: 334TimkenHE15
Timken Reorganizes After Closing Overhaul Business
By: Harry Weisberger
Caption: The Mesa, Ariz. Aerospace Aftermarket division is refocused on parts manufacturing, repair and overhaul.
Word Count: 474
Timken has reorganized its entire aerospace business and last year shut down its turbine engine overhaul and repair operations. The company’s Mesa, Ariz. Aerospace Aftermarket division is now focused on its core FAA-approved turbine engine replacement parts manufacturing, repair and overhaul capabilities.
  
“The turbine engine overhaul and repair closing was the biggest move,” said Larry Shiembob, director of Timken Aerospace Aftermarket. “A buyer has now acquired it, and we shipped our last engine in November. We’re starting to see the full benefits of this reorganization in improved profitability and focus on core markets.” 
  
He noted that the overhaul and repair business had contributed about one-third of the total Aerospace Aftermarket operation’s business. Timken is moving to offset loss of that revenue by increased emphasis on its parts manufacturing and overhaul product lines and a streamlined business model. Shiembob said the rationale for terminating the turbine engine overhaul and repair business was recognition that the market had changed significantly since Timken entered the market 10 years ago. “We have modified our aerospace business to operate more efficiently,” he said. “We’ve taken some layers out and enhanced customer focus.” 
  
Shiembob said that Timken has moved its Rolls Royce 250 compressor case overhaul business from Mesa to its Los Alamitos, Calif. bearing repair facility. “It was up and running in early February at one of the few places where overhaul of the 250 compressor cases is being done. We’ve basically put in a brand new line there. It’s our first attempt to branch out into other types of repairs, and we’re looking at offering other repair products where we can bring value to our customers.”
  
This includes reintroduction of manufacturing PT6 reduction gears, expansion of the Timken turbine-blade manufacturing business and continued strong demand for bearing-overhaul services at Los Alamitos. Shiembob said the manufacturing of PT6 reduction gears is going flawlessly. “We continue to sell them, and they continue to accumulate hours. We recently had the first in-service inspection. The gears looked great and went right back into service.”
  
He noted that sales of Bell medium-helicopter replacement parts continues to grow, and he also cited progress on certifying a new turbine blade for the PT6A-60 series. He added, “Our main focus remains the turbine-blade business. We are working with the FAA on certification of the new PT6A-60 turbine blade, and we’re in the last stages of submitting the appropriate paperwork.”
  
While Shiembob hasn’t seen a resurgence in flying activity, business remains steady for Timken Aerospace Aftermarket. “What we are seeing is stabilization,” he observed. Timken Aerospace Aftermarket specializes in parts manufacturing and repair for the Rolls Royce Model 250 and T56/501, Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6, Honeywell (Lycoming) T53engines and Bell UH-1/AH-1/204/205/212 drive-train components.