TAGS: #Woodward Aerospace Manufacturing #Servo-Hydraulic Actuation Systems #Airbus A350 Flight Control
Forefront of Innovation in Servo-Hydraulic Actuation and Industrial Automation
Strategic Investment in Aerospace Production
Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ: WWD), a worldwide leader in energy control systems for aerospace and industrial markets, announced a $200 million investment in a new facility in Greer, South Carolina. The 300,000-square-foot plant will manufacture servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are essential components for modern aircraft control systems. Operations will begin in 2027, with production and staffing phased in to meet global demand.
Focus on Airbus A350 Flight Control Systems
The new plant’s initial capacity will be dedicated to spoiler actuation systems for the Airbus A350. These aerospace control systems are mounted on aircraft wings and directly impact lift, flight stability, and passenger safety. By focusing on this program, Woodward reinforces its position as a trusted supplier in next-generation aerospace automation.
Job Creation and Regional Economic Growth
The project will generate about 275 jobs across manufacturing, engineering, and business operations. As demand increases, the workforce will expand further. South Carolina’s advanced factory automation ecosystem and strong aerospace labor pool made Spartanburg County the ideal choice. State officials emphasized that this investment solidifies South Carolina’s leadership in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.
Growing Industrial Automation and Operational Excellence
Woodward plans to implement factory automation, robotics, and digital control systems within the new facility. The site will adopt processes proven through the company’s LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs, setting benchmarks in efficiency, product quality, and sustainability. Integrating PLC and DCS solutions ensures smarter, more reliable production in aerospace manufacturing.
Growing Capabilities Beyond Airbus
While initial production focuses on the Airbus A350, Woodward will expand applications of its hydraulic flight control technology to additional commercial aviation platforms. This approach positions the company as a long-term leader in aerospace control systems, adaptable to evolving global aviation needs and technological advancements.
Expert Commentary on Industry Trends
From an industry perspective, this expansion underscores how aerospace and industrial automation are converging. Servo-hydraulic actuation improves flight performance but also demands precise integration with PLC and DCS systems in production. In my analysis, Woodward’s vertically integrated strategy reflects a broader trend: aerospace companies must pair engineering expertise with smart factory automation to maintain competitiveness.
Real-World Applications and Solutions
This investment creates practical applications in aerospace and factory automation, such as:
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Optimizing aircraft flight control with servo-hydraulic actuation.
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Smart manufacturing through automated quality control and predictive maintenance.
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Next-generation process control for energy efficiency in aerospace assembly lines.
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Scalable industrial automation to respond rapidly to global aviation demand.
These use cases show how industrial automation enhances performance, reduces costs, and strengthens long-term aerospace competitiveness.