By Forrest Crellin PARIS, April 13 (Reuters) - French jet engine maker Safran will invest 150 million euros ($175.31 million) in a high tonnage hydraulic press to increase the production of strategic
Safran aims to double output of engine parts at northern France facility
Safran's Investment and Expansion Plans
By Forrest Crellin
Major Investment in Hydraulic Press
PARIS, April 13 (Reuters) - French jet-engine maker Safran will invest 150 million euros ($175 million) in a high-tonnage hydraulic press to boost output of critical engine components, Chief Executive Olivier Andries said on Monday, as the group accelerates production and tightens control over its supply chain.
Gennevillers Facility Upgrade
The 30,000-ton press, to be installed at the Gennevillers facility north of Paris by 2029, is expected to double the plant's forging capacity and will also be used to make parts for engines currently being developed for future medium-haul aircraft.
Additional Expansion Initiatives
"We are in a period of very rapid production ramp-up, which requires quite massive investments," Andries told journalists, also referencing Safran's plans to build a new foundry in the western city of Rennes and the expansion of another site.
Supply Chain Resilience
"We want to be resilient. We live in a world that has become increasingly unstable and volatile. Therefore, we need to ensure we control our supply chain," he said.
Industry Challenges and Safran's Strategy
Shortages in Castings and Forgings
Castings and forgings - heavy-duty metal parts widely used in the jet engine industry - have been in short supply since the pandemic, contributing to delays in aircraft output. Safran says it is the only engine maker that already has its own forging capability, but that easing shortages remains one of its key challenges along with securing supplies of rare earths.
Reducing Supplier Dependence
Andries told analysts in February that the company would invest further in this area to reduce its dependence on a handful of outside suppliers.
Military Engine Production Increase
Safran is also increasing its military engine production and is expected to produce 108 engines in 2026, the CEO told journalists.
($1 = 0.8557 euros)
(Reporting by Forrest Crellin and Tim Hepher; Editing by Susan Fenton and Louise Heavens)
