Introduction
As aerospace manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and support higher build rates, Design for Manufacturing has become a critical part of program success. ST Engineering MRAS works collaboratively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to optimize production processes from the earliest stages of program development.
By integrating manufacturing efficiency into design and production planning, ST Engineering MRAS helps customers improve scalability, reduce operational risk, and support long-term program performance.
Full Lifecycle Program Responsibility
On programs such as the A320 neo, ST Engineering MRAS operates within a risk-and-revenue-sharing partnership structure, with responsibility spanning the full product lifecycle, including design, certification, production, and aftermarket support for nacelle systems.
This full-lifecycle involvement provides valuable operational insight, enabling teams to continuously evaluate manufacturing efficiency, production capability, and opportunities for cost reduction throughout the program lifecycle.
Addressing Aerospace Production Challenges
Modern aerospace programs face a range of production and cost pressures, including:
- Increasing production rates.
- Raw material cost fluctuations.
- Tariff impacts.
- Customer-driven cost reduction targets.
- Supply chain complexity.
- Quality and rework challenges.
To address these challenges, ST Engineering MRAS applies a structured Design for Manufacturing, Cost & Rate approach that focuses on improving efficiency before production begins.
The ST Engineering MRAS Approach
Cross-functional collaboration between manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams forms the foundation of the company’s approach.
The process includes:
- Manufacturing hours-per-unit analysis.
- Process efficiency reviews.
- Supply chain assessments.
- Quality and rework analysis.
- Shop floor operator feedback.
- Evaluation of corrective actions and process improvements.
- Review of sourcing and second-source opportunities.
By combining operational data with lessons learned from existing programs, teams can identify opportunities to simplify manufacturing processes, improve throughput, and reduce production costs.
Automation and Advanced Manufacturing
High-rate production capability remains a major focus for aerospace customers, particularly on market-leading commercial programs such as the A320neo.
ST Engineering MRAS has implemented advanced manufacturing technologies to improve production efficiency and consistency, including:
- Automated drilling systems.
- Robotic manufacturing support.
- Automated Fiber Placement (AFP).
These technologies have helped reduce manufacturing hours while improving repeatability and production flow. The implementation of AFP alone contributed significant efficiency improvements across program manufacturing operations.
The company also introduced Manufacturing Readiness Boards within production processes to improve visibility, accelerate issue resolution, and support continuous operational improvement.
Building Lessons Learned into Future Programs
One of the key outcomes of the Design for Manufacturing approach has been the ability to apply lessons learned from existing high-rate programs into future bids and program development strategies.
Experience gained through programs such as the A320 neo enables ST Engineering MRAS to assess where advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and process improvements can deliver long-term value for future customers.
This continuous improvement mindset helps ensure new programs are designed with scalability, efficiency, and manufacturability in mind from the outset.
Conclusion
ST Engineering MRAS continues to strengthen its manufacturing capability through a proactive Design for Manufacturing, Cost & Rate approach that integrates engineering, production, quality, and supply chain expertise.
By focusing on efficiency, automation, and long-term scalability from the earliest stages of program development, the company helps customers meet evolving aerospace production demands while improving operational performance and reducing lifecycle costs.
