Rich heritage and integration with new parent company energise and gear company up for next phase of growth
Middle River, Maryland, October 5, 2019 – Many in the aviation industry would recognise Middle River Aerostructure Systems (MRAS) as a world-leading manufacturer of thrust reversers, engine nacelle components and specialised aerostructures. Few, however, may recall that the company’s rich history began on October 7, 1929, when aspiring aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin opened an aircraft manufacturing facility just outside of Baltimore in the small suburb of Middle River, Maryland. In celebration of this proud heritage that spans 90 years of aviation excellence, over 3,000 employees, family members and industry partners of MRAS gathered at its Middle River facility today to mark the special occasion.
Over the span of these 90 years, MRAS provided strong support to global engine makers, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft operators, and produced civil and military aircraft that became iconic through their innovation, performance and capabilities. These iconic aircraft include the Model M-130 flying boat (known as the famous China Clipper in service with Pan American World Airways), the B-26 Marauder bomber of World War II fame, the Martin P5M flying boat and the Martin 404 airliner.
Today, MRAS maintains a vital role in the aviation industry through its production of jet engine nacelles and aerostructures that are critical to the performance, operational efficiency and flight safety of a wide range of aircraft. Among MRAS’ leading activities is the manufacture of nacelle components for the Airbus A321neo jetliner in a programme that represents one of the most rapid production ramp-ups in civil aviation history.
Helping to achieve this industrial feat and more is a team of about 900 salaried and hourly employees who work innovatively with a laser sharp focus on high quality and safety standards at MRAS’ highly modern and technologically advanced facility in Middle River. ST Engineering, a global technology, defence and engineering group which acquired the Middle River company earlier this year, adds to MRAS’ existing strength with their core expertise in MRO and aviation engineering capabilities.
Lim Serh Ghee, President of ST Engineering’s Aerospace sector, said, “MRAS becomes part of the ST Engineering family at a time when it crosses its 90th year mark, which makes 2019 all the more significant as we start charting our growth together. As part of the ST Engineering Group, MRAS will be able to achieve greater growth with the synergy created, as well as the resources that go into expanding their global network and range of offerings.”
Frank Dougherty, MRAS’ Senior Vice President & General Manager, added, “What has gotten MRAS to where it is today are the people, who in various stages of its growth, built and strengthened its foundation. By building on this talent pool with further hires for production and development, and leveraging the resources of new parent company, ST Engineering, we are able to look ahead with confidence and set our sight on greater heights as one of the largest aviation manufacturers in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region.”
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