Rolls-Royce to spread its wing in RI
Rolls-Royce to spread its wing in RI
JAKARTA (JP): Rolls-Royce, a British-based aerospace and industrial manufacturer, plans to expand its business in Indonesia.
"I think within the next five years we will be able to expand our business in Indonesia," the company's chairman, Ralph Robins told reporters yesterday.
Robins, accompanied by four other top executives, was here for a three-day visit. He is to meet State Minister of Research and Technology J.B. Habibie today after visiting the country's airplane manufacturer, Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) in Bandung.
"We see the relationship between Rolls-Royce and Indonesia being further strengthened when our acquisition of the Allison Engine Company is completed," he said. "At the moment we are awaiting regulatory approval, but expect this to come soon."
He refused to divulge any details about the acquisition.
IPTN is the manufacturer of the short-haul regional commuter airplane N-250, which is powered by twin Allison AE-2100 C engines. IPTN and Rolls-Royce have also signed accords on aero and industrial engine repair and overhaul.
In addition to the aviation business, Rolls-Royce industrial gas turbines are in service in the Bontang liquefied natural gas plant in East Kalimantan. Through the company's subsidiary, Parsons Power Generation Systems, work has begun on a US$90 million order to build a turnkey power station in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.
"When operating, the Natuna gas field also offers an exciting prospect for Cooper Rolls, which has 70 percent of the world market in this field and we will certainly be pursuing this opportunity," he said.
Indonesia plans to establish an liquefied natural gas plant in Natuna, Riau, where huge deposits of natural gas have been discovered by Exxon of the United States.
According to Robins, business prospects in Indonesia, with its large population and abundant raw materials, are very good.
"As Indonesia prepares this year to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary, Rolls-Royce is ready to play its part in the country's future development over the next 50 years," he said, adding that he would consider expanding his business into avionics assembly, power generation and sea-port infrastructure. (icn)