Rolls-Royce plant celebrates 100 years in Indy
Earlier this week, Rolls-Royce celebrated its future. On Wednesday, it celebrated 100 years of aviation success.
Earlier this week, Rolls-Royce celebrated its future.
And on Wednesday, the aerospace and defense contractor took a moment to honor its 100-year lineage in Indianapolis.
Amid fighter jets, World War II planes and helicopters — all powered by Rolls-Royce engines — more than 5,000 people gathered at the U.S. Postal Service hub at Indianapolis International Airport to look back at the company’s history.
“We’ve reached 100 years of service here in Indianapolis,” said Marion Blakey, president and chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce North America. “What started out as a small automobile shop in Speedway in 1915 has evolved into the main U.S. hub for Rolls-Royce.”
Local operations for Rolls-Royce, which announced a nearly $600 million investment in Indianapolis earlier this week, began as the Allison Speedway Team Co. in Indianapolis in 1915. It was purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1995.
Rolls-Royce will put $600M into Indianapolis operations
Allison was heavily involved in manufacturing for America's war effort in World War I and World War II, which began a long tradition of producing engines for aviation. Today, Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 120 countries, which includes more than 380 airlines and leasing customers.
Randy Alexander, a test operator who has worked at Rolls-Royce for more than 20 years, said it was time for Rolls-Royce to reinvest in its Indianapolis operations, so it can continue to compete with other companies.
“The building is old and it needs to be replaced,” he said. “It costs a lot of money to air condition it and keep it up. It’s time for it to come down.”
Rolls-Royce employs 4,000 people in Indianapolis. Of those employees, about 1,050 work in production and 1,400 are engineers.
The next 100 years of the business will be solid because they’re based on the hard work of Rolls-Royce employees of today, said Frank Poynter, bargaining chairman for UAW Local 933.
“Nobody has a crystal ball,” Poynter said. “In the end, the future of any employment in Indiana is a lot better with the investment. It gives you a lot better avenue to compete at a global market.
“The opportunity is going to be great in the future and for many years to come.”
Gov. Mike Pence lauded Rolls-Royce and said Indiana’s rich aviation history is thanks to the company and its predecessor.
“This is setting the stage for another great century for Rolls-Royce and the state of Indiana for aerospace,” he said.
Phil Burkholder, president of Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace North America, said the celebration and $600 million investment pave the way for a brighter future for Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis.
“100 years — that’s a long time,” he said. “That is a legacy.”
Call Star reporter Kris Turner at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @krisnturner.
Rolls-Royce lands $442M in contracts for Indy plant