RTX & Collins Aero: US$69m Expanded Manufacturing Facility

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of US multinational aerospace and defence corporation RTX, has opened its newly expanded, 22,000 square-meter manufacturing facility in Tajęcina, Poland.

Collins Aerospace specialises in advanced structures, avionics, interiors, mission systems and power and control systems that serve customers across commercial, regional, business aviation and military sectors.

European countries are significantly increasing spending on defence as a result of global geopolitical tensions, including strained relations with the US and Russia’s war on Ukraine. McKinsey estimates that by 2030 Europe’s NATO members are projected to spend US$920bn on defence, an increase of US$345bn from 2025. 

RTX’s expanded facility in Poland

RTX says its US$69m expansion will support an increase in landing gear system production capacity by nearly 25% for both commercial and defence aircraft programs. 

The site will create approximately 190 new jobs this year according to a press release issued by the company. 

Matt Maurer, Vice President and General Manager of Landing Systems at Collins Aerospace, says: “Collins is making a long-term investment in both the local workforce and the future of aerospace in the broader Poland ecosystem.

"Building on the strong foundation established in 2012, this expansion significantly increases critical production capacity, accelerates growth, and strengthens our ability to deliver the high-performance landing gear systems our customers depend on around the world.”

Part of a larger investment in Poland

In addition to Collins' expansion, RTX's Pratt & Whitney business also recently announced a US$100m investment to expand production capacity at its Rzeszów facility, focusing on critical engine components such as rotating compressor and turbine disks. 

This expansion, supporting increased demand for Pratt & Whitney GTF, F135, and F100 engines, is expected to boost output by 30% and become operational by 2028.

The F135 engine is used in Lockheed Martin’s 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II, a supersonic stealth fighter jet. 

Increased European defence spending

The European Parliament says that Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and changes in US foreign policy have “increased the urgent need for the EU to strengthen its security and defence” and” speed up efforts to reinforce its military capabilities.” 

The EU says it wants to “help EU countries get fully ready to defend themselves by 2030.” A report from Oxford Economics noted that European investment in defence related manufacturing stagnated substantially between the early 1990s and 2022.

McKinsey says that in recent years, Europe has taken significant steps to strengthen its defence capacity, driven by higher spending, new procurement programs and a renewed focus on industrial readiness.

The consulting firm estimates that by 2030, Europe’s NATO members are projected to spend EU€800 (US$920bn) on defence, an increase of EU€300bn (US$345bn) from 2025, with equipment spending alone nearly doubling. 

RTX operations in Poland

RTX has operated in Poland for over 50 years and currently runs nine major engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and research development facilities in-country, supporting both commercial and military programs.

Poland represents RTX's largest employee base and investment footprint outside of the US, with more than 9,400 employees across its Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon businesses.