Radius Aerospace begins $24 million project to expand titanium components plant

Hot Springs-based manufacturer Radius Aerospace, formerly a Triumph Group Division, broke ground Monday (Nov. 25) on a $24 million expansion of its titanium components plant and will add 65 employees to support the expansion.

Construction on the 22,000-square-foot expansion will start next week. Work is expected to be completed in August 2020.

“For more than six months, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has worked closely with Radius Aerospace and regional economic development officials to prepare for this announcement,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “The strength of our workforce makes Hot Springs an excellent choice for this expansion.”

The company produces fabricated metallic assemblies and components used in the military, commercial, business jet, regional jet, general aviation and helicopter markets. Products include aircraft skins, leading edges, doors, covers and ribs.

“We’re excited to expand and modernize our Hot Springs site with this state-of-the-art facility,” said Darren Hill, vice president of supply chain for Radius Aerospace. “The quality of work our fine employees produce has enabled us to grow and continue to support both the aerospace and defense industry, which is so important to our nation. This expansion is further evidence of our commitment to continued growth and placing a high emphasis on being a good corporate neighbor to our community and stakeholders.”

The Hot Springs plant completes superplastic forming of titanium, and demand at the plant has risen in the commercial and military aerospace industries for custom-configured titanium components. Superplastic forming is an advanced manufacturing method that allows for the production of complex thin-sheet components. The plant employs 385 people.

“It is with great pleasure that the city of Hot Springs congratulates Radius Aerospace on their expansion and new development plans,” city manager Bill Burrough said. “Their investment in technology and additional jobs in our community is greatly appreciated, and we wish them much success now and in the future.”

Officials said the expansion project is one of the largest to take place in Hot Springs and Garland County in several years, according to a news release.

“Although new in name, Radius Aerospace has roots in our community dating back to the 1960s as Triumph Group, and we are extremely pleased to see this growth and expansion on their part,” said Gary Troutman, president and CEO of Hot Springs Metro Partnership.

Radius Aerospace recently announced it acquired Doncasters Group Limited’s Aerospace Forming and Fabricating Business in Sheffield and Shrewsbury, located in the United Kingdom. The company has more than 1,000 employees and over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space, according to its website.