UTC Aerospace System to invest $9 million in Puerto Rico

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puero Rico and the UTC Aerospace Systems are celebrating the expansion of the company's presence on the island. The U.S. aerospace manufacturing firm will be investing approximately $9 million to expand its operations in local Santa Isabel to meet the increasing demands for its products, according to governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

Padilla said Tuesday the expansion of UTC Aerospace Systems follows a previous investment of $15 million that has created 200 jobs in the past year. UTC Aerospace Systems is driving growth to its local operations and increasing its manufacturing capabilities.

The announcement comes as the U.S. territory seeks to boost its manufacturing sector following eight years of recession.

UTC Aerospace Systems operates a facility in the southern coastal city of Santa Isabel that manufactures more than 3,900 different parts and components and exports more than 163,000 items a year. The main products manufactured in Puerto Rico are printed circuit boards, electric and emergency power generation systems, and pressure, temperature and flow controllers. The North Carolina-based company currently employs about 1,300 people in Puerto Rico.

The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) has been instrumental to the growth and commitment of UTC Aerospace Systems, providing support and incentives for job creation and infrastructure improvements. According to PRIDCO, Puerto Rico has become a magnet for some of the world's leading aviation and aerospace companies, virtually overnight. With a long history of manufacturing expertise and a strong pipeline of engineering talent, the island has attracted multimillion-dollar investments.

UTC is based in Hartford, Connecticut and provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.