Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume II - International: MTU Aero Engines

The Motoren- und Turbinen-Union companies (MTU Munchen and MTU Friedrichshafen) were formed in 1969 as a result of a consolidation of the development and manufacturing efforts of a number of other firms. MTU Munchen handled the aviation engine portions of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and Daimler-Benz AG; prior to May 1945, these two firms were among the most important manufacturers of aviation engines in the world. To this expertise was added the post-war aviation-related work of Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg, Turbomotoren (MAN Turbomotoren) and BMW Triebwerk.

In 2000, following the formation of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), MTU Munchen was removed from DASA's structure and placed under the auspices of parent company DaimlerChrysler. In the corporate reshuffle, MTU Munchen was renamed MTU Aero Engines to better reflect the company's focus. The company was then sold to investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) in 2004, which later took MTU Aero Engines public in 2006.

This report focuses on those activities of MTU Aero Engines that are directly concerned with the aerospace and defense industry.

MTU Aero Engines employs approximately 7,900 people.