SERENDAH (Nov 29): UMW Holdings Bhd has delivered its first fan case to Rolls Royce just over two years since its RM750 million venture into high-value aerospace manufacturing.

Produced at its 12ha (30-acre) manufacturing plant in Serendah, Selangor, the fan case is made for Rolls Royce's Trent 1000 engine, which powers Boeing's 787 Dreamliner planes.

The aerospace manufacturing venture is spearheaded by UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd, a unit of UMW Holdings Bhd.

"This is the dawn of a new era for the UMW Group, as we explore new opportunities in the high value manufacturing sector," said UMW Holdings president and CEO Badrul Feisal Abdul Rahim.

Under the 25-year manufacturing agreement with Rolls Royce, UMW Aerospace will also produce fan cases for the former's Trent 7000 engines, which are used in Airbus A330neo.

The agreement was signed in August 2015 and ends on Dec 31, 2040. It provides for a possible five-year extension.

UMW Aerospace is the first Malaysian company to be a tier-1 Rolls Royce supplier.

The maiden delivery was flagged off by deputy minister of international trade and industry Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

The fan cases from UMW's Serendah facility will be delivered to Rolls Royce's engine assembly and test facility in Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore.

It is a significant milestone for UMW group, as it celebrates its 100th year of history this year, said UMW Holdings chairman Tan Sri Dato' Sri Hamad Kama Piah.

"The group, well known in Malaysia for its automotive and equipment business, has now successfully progressed into the aerospace components manufacturing industry," Hamad added.