The Irish arm of multinational aerospace firm, Collins, has reported a significant increase in operating profit and headcount, according to newly filed accounts. The Cork branch of Collins Aerospace saw its operating profit reach €1m in 2022, with turnover increasing by over a third to more than €9.5m.
Established in Cork in 2010, Collins Aerospace is a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, the world’s largest defence and aerospace conglomerate. The Cork branch serves various industries including commercial aviation, helicopters, space, and military & defence, acting as a research and development hub for the company.
Despite its success, the Cork branch has faced criticism from members of the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC), who have raised concerns about the activities of Collins Aerospace and its parent company, RTX. The group has alleged that weapons developed by the company have been used to harm civilians in Gaza, leading to protests outside the Cork office.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Collins Aerospace declined to comment on the connection between the company and the war in Gaza, stating that the Cork office operations are not involved in any direct or indirect support of the conflict. The spokesperson also refrained from discussing the firm’s clients or those of its parent company.
Looking ahead, Collins Aerospace plans to further expand its research activities in Cork, with the aim of growing the business in the region. Despite the controversy surrounding the company, it remains a key player in the aerospace industry, contributing to applied research and technology capabilities within the Raytheon Technologies Corporation.