Rolls-Royce considers U.S. expansion

CHANTILLY, Va.

Rolls-Royce PLC, the world's second-largest aircraft engine maker, said Friday it is considering options for potential new facilities worldwide and issued a request for qualifications to eight U.S. states.

The request is based on comprehensive business criteria developed by the British company and will be provided to Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

All of Rolls-Royce's global business sectors, civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy, have identified growth opportunities. The company's customers include 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces and more than 2,000 marine buyers.

In North America, Rolls-Royce employs nearly 8,000 people at 66 U.S. locations and seven sites in Canada.