KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM) has finalized an agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems’ manufacturing facility and businesses in Subang, Malaysia, for $95.2 million. This strategic divestment by Spirit AeroSystems is a significant step in its ongoing merger process with Boeing and its separate agreement with Airbus. The transaction, which will see CTRM expand its role as a key supplier in the global aerospace industry, is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Details of the Acquisition
The acquisition encompasses Spirit AeroSystems’ engineering and manufacturing operations located within Malaysia’s International Aerospace Centre in Subang. This expansive facility spans 45 acres, boasts a 400,000 square-foot manufacturing footprint, and employs over 1,000 personnel. The Subang site is known for its aerostructures assembly and services capabilities, along with an integrated supply chain that offers access to regional material sourcing and skilled labor.
Upon completion of the acquisition, CTRM, a recognized Tier 2 advanced aerospace composite supplier, will significantly bolster its capabilities. The Malaysian firm is set to become an important supplier of composite subassemblies for several major aircraft programs. These include the Airbus A220, A320, and A350, as well as Boeing’s 737 and 787 programs, and Embraer’s E2 series. CTRM currently supplies components like cowls and wing parts for the A350, and aileron, fairing, spoiler, and sharklet sections for the A320neo, among others.
Strategic Moves for Spirit AeroSystems
For Spirit AeroSystems, this divestiture is a crucial component of its broader corporate restructuring. The company has been navigating a significant debt burden and rapid cash burn, making strategic divestments vital for its financial stability. Irene Esteves, Spirit AeroSystems executive vice president and chief financial officer, stated that the agreement “ensures a strong future” for the Subang business and “marks a milestone” in the ongoing acquisition of Spirit by Boeing. This sale follows Spirit’s previously announced merger agreement with Boeing and a separate definitive agreement with Airbus, indicating a clear strategy to streamline operations and align with regulatory compliance ahead of its integration with Boeing.
CTRM’s Growing Influence in Aerospace
CTRM, headquartered with its main operations at Malacca airport, southeast of Kuala Lumpur, is poised to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global aerospace supply chain. The company specializes in the development and production of composite sub-assemblies for Tier 1 global aerospace suppliers. By integrating the Subang facility, CTRM will enhance its capacity and expertise, leveraging the existing world-class engineering and manufacturing capabilities of the acquired operations. This move reflects CTRM’s ambition to expand its reach and solidify its partnerships with leading aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Airbus and Boeing.
