Rubb's RFD MRO facility set to service A380s and 747s
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is set to open dual 91.5m span hangars built by Rubb Building Systems, with the new MRO facility, operated by AAR, being capable of servicing an Airbus 380 and Boeing 747, at the same time.
Strategically located in the Midwest, this advanced MRO facility will employ more than 500 skilled workers.
"Even an extreme blizzard won't slow the efficiency of the Rockford MRO," says Jeff Polsean, Economic Development Manager, Chicago Rockford International Airport. "Now we have overcome severe funding challenges, 500 skilled workers will soon enjoy natural light in ideal working conditions at the 24 hour per day 200,000 square-foot facility, delivered by Rubb Building Systems, operated by AAR."
Dan Roszkowski, president of project's architectural firm Larson & Darby said: "This one-of-a-kind building is truly mammoth as an MRO facility. It's impressive from the inside and practical for all kinds of repair."
"RFD's new facility is changing the business landscape not only the airport ground, but the region," says Ken Ryan, Director of Business Development and Cargo, Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Joe Scandroli, president of Scandroli Construction, notes that flexibility from the building manufacturer and installer Rubb Building Systems helped the project stay on schedule.
The Rockford facility's two insulated membrane-clad hangars each measure 91.5m long with a 91.5m clear span and 12m sidewalls, culminating in a centre height of 30.5m. Each structure has five-panel, vertical-lift Assa Abloy Megadoors, with pivoting mullions, allowing for comfortable housing of aircraft as large as the Airbus A380. The hot-dip galvanized steel frame is clad with two-inch-thick Thermohall® insulated fabric. Maintenance is very low.
The vertical lifting Megadoor, with its exceptional seals, allow the facility to be climate controlled cost effectively all year round. Complimenting the curved membrane structure, the Megadoor's translucent fabric will also allow natural light in, creating a great work environment for the technicians, while minimising lighting costs.
The Rockford structure represents a high point in Rubb Buildings Systems history in highly efficient membrane clad commercial aviation hangars. According to Chuck Auger, Rubb USA's Marketing Manager: "Rockford is a step change in hangar efficiency, also being our largest hangar ever. The proof will become clear with service and repair productivity, as well as energy efficiency."
Auger adds: "Rubb and Assa Abloy Megadoor have historically worked well together on numerous projects. Rubb's robust frame structure and superior engineering supports even the most enormous Megadoor applications. The quality of Megadoor in combination with Rubb's superior framing design makes the actual cost of door operations the lowest in the market, thereby saving the customer a lot of money in the long run."
According to Pierre Varmaloff, Megadoor Sales: "MRO design should not be about housing aircraft, but quickly servicing planes to get them back in the air. Megadoors are all about reliability, saving time and money for facility operators, and increasing customer satisfaction. When workers have an optimal environment, this shows up in their work."
Polsean notes: "The real winner is the local economy and commercial aviation, having a strategically located high-tech facility. More cargo will be a wonderful additional benefit."
The 200,000 square-foot facility is expected to operate 24 hours a day and will greatly expand the airport's infrastructure. AAR chose Rockford due to its central geographical location, highly trained workforce, cost effectiveness and access to a robust warehouse and distribution network. Rockford, Illinois is also a hub for aerospace and aviation technology, with Boeing, Woodward, UTC Aerospace Systems and GE Aviation all having facilities nearby. Just down the street Rock Valley College is starting an aviation maintenance technology school, which will train mechanics qualified to work at the facility. Rock Valley College is a publically funded institution, which will provide a highly trained workforce to the MRO facility at an affordable cost of tuition, another benefit to the local economy.