Sigma Advanced Systems begins aerospace component production at Sri City

Tirupati; UK-based Sigma Advanced Systems has commenced aerospace component production at Sri City, marking a key step in the State’s efforts to attract advanced manufacturing investments. The company has moved its Sri City facility from construction stage to active production in just eight months. The first batch of precision-machined aerospace components manufactured at the facility has already been sent to Sigma’s UK operations for final verification before being delivered to the customer.

The new facility covers 75,000 sq ft and forms part of a larger 5,00,000 sq ft campus. It currently has the capacity to undertake 1,00,000 machining hours annually. The company has designed the facility to scale up its capacity to nearly 3,00,000 machining hours a year as operations expand.

Sigma is developing the Sri City facility to replicate the aerospace manufacturing capabilities of its UK operations in India. The company plans to gradually bring a larger part of the aerospace manufacturing value chain to the country. Once the planned expansion is completed, around 70 per cent of the manufacturing process is expected to be carried out in India.

The facility has also completed the initial stages of the source-change approval process with Rolls-Royce Aerospace. The process involves meeting stringent quality and manufacturing requirements followed by major global aerospace programmes.

The remaining part of the Sri City campus is expected to become operational over the next 12 months. The larger campus has been planned to support future expansion, including additional manufacturing capabilities and potential acquisitions.

Sigma Advanced Systems CEO and Executive Director Sunil Kalidindi said the start of production at Sri City was an important milestone for the company as it expands its role as a global aerospace manufacturing partner.

He said the company’s objective was not merely to increase machining capacity in India but to replicate its established UK capabilities and gradually shift a larger share of the aerospace manufacturing value chain to India.

As part of its long-term plans, Sigma will develop specialised aerospace manufacturing skills through on-campus training and capability development. The initiative is expected to contribute to the availability of skilled manpower for advanced manufacturing in the State.

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The Hans India