IZMIR, Turkey, June 10 (UPI) -- A factory for producing critical engine parts for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter has reportedly opened in Turkey.
According to Hurryet Daily News {link: "http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com" target="_blank"} , the factory is in Izmir and owned by Kale Pratt & Whitney, a joint venture between the U.S. engine manufacturer and Turkey's Kale Group.
Turkish President Abdullah Gül, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz and company managers last week attended the opening ceremony for the opening of the factory's first stage, which cost about $75 million.
"We are not opening an ordinary industrial plant," President Gül said. "We are talking about a manufacturing a product with very delicate standards that passed all safety tests.
"For Turkey, such types of industrial production mean a rise in standards and becoming more advanced."
"Expanding our capabilities with this new facility enhances Turkey's involvement in the F-35 program, and in the overall industry," said İbrahim Bodur, honorary president of Kale Group. "By investing in advanced technologies and building partnerships like this one with Pratt & Whitney, we are strengthening the aviation industry in Turkey and bringing valuable work to the region."
Kale Group has operated in the defense and aviation industry since 1989. It became a part of the F-35 program in 2005 when Kale Aviation Company began producing more than 200 body and wing components for the F-35 fighter.
It established its joint venture with Pratt & Whitney in 2010.
