Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has announced a multi-million-dollar expansion of its West Des Moines, Iowa manufacturing facility covering 14,000 square feet.
The investment is designed to increase production capacity as demand grows across both commercial and military aviation programs served by the site.
The West Des Moines facility specializes in advanced fuel distribution systems, producing original equipment components, spare parts, and providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
The site currently ships more than 25,000 engine nozzles each month, supporting a broad range of commercial and military aircraft platforms around the world.
It also operates as an FAA-certified Part 145 repair station with a specific focus on engine nozzle systems and powerplant accessories, a designation that reflects the facility’s technical depth.
James Bagg, vice president and general manager of Engine Control Systems at Collins Aerospace, commented directly on the strategic importance of the investment for the company’s customers and workforce.
“The investment at our West Des Moines site demonstrates our commitment to advancing commercial and military aviation through our innovative fuel-distribution technology,” Bagg said.
“This expansion helps us enhance delivery performance, improve manufacturing capabilities and add jobs to meet growing customer demand,” he added.
The West Des Moines operation currently employs approximately 300 full-time employees, and Collins plans to add additional roles by the end of 2026.
Continued hiring is expected to extend into 2027 as the company works to support long-term program growth tied to the expanded facility.
This is not the first major capital commitment Collins has made to its Iowa operations, as the company completed a $14 million, 9,000-square-foot expansion of its Delavan Drive facility back in 2023.
That earlier project significantly increased additive manufacturing capacity through state-of-the-art metal 3D printers, enabling faster production, reduced lead times, and lighter aerospace parts.
The West Des Moines site has since been recognized as a world leader in advanced fuel nozzle production and earned National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program certification for additive manufacturing.
Construction on the latest expansion is scheduled to begin later this month, with project completion expected in mid-2027, adding further long-term capacity to the Iowa operation.
RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion and employs more than 180,000 people globally, with its headquarters located in Arlington, Virginia.
