The leading Austrian and globally active technology partner of the global aerospace industry, FACC, is taking an important step further in its globalization strategy with investments of around 30 million euros in a new production facility in Croatia. The set-up plans of the new facility were announced recently in the presence of Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Darko Horvat, Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts. Construction is scheduled to start this year. A 100% subsidiary of FACC, the new production facility will manufacture lightweight cabin components for commercial and business aircraft using state-of-the-art fiber composite technology.
It strengthens the position of FACC to profit from the economic growth in the aerospace industry. Boeing anticipated that there would be total deliveries of 41,410 commercial aircraft worth US$ 6.25 trillion in the global marketplace during 2018-2037. Asia-Pacific and Europe would be the biggest demand generators with a combined share of 64.7% of the total commercial aircraft deliveries during 2018-2037. This factor will create a sustainable demand for composite parts for cabin interiors globally in the foreseeable future. According to Stratview Research, the global cabin interior composites market is expected to be more than $2 billion in annual sales.
"FACC benefits from the strong growth in the aviation industry. As a global player in the composite sector, FACC has been growing faster than the market over the first 30 years of its existence. In line with overall market requirements and customer demands, we are continuously enlarging our manufacturing capacities," says FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger. “Today, we are pleased to announce our plans to invest in this new and leading-edge technology facility, with which we will further expand our already large global presence. This expansion represents a strategic investment for our company, and we are confident that the FACC Croatia Production Center of Competence will substantially contribute to our corporate strategy of quality and efficiency leadership. This green field investment offers us the opportunity to set up a best-in-class aerospace facility, implementing leading-edge technology, automation and Industry 4.0 methods."
Turnkey Solutions ‘Made in Croatia”
FACC chose Jakovlje in the Zagreb district to be the location for the new facility following a highly competitive site selection process. Croatia’s established industry, the proximity to FACC’s Austrian facilities and its highly trained, technically skilled workforce were also decisive factors due to which the company took the decision to make Croatia a partner in its growth strategy.
FACC, with the new facility of 12,200 square meter, is further expanding its global footprint and creating the capacity required to meet customer demand for high-performance, high-value FACC products. The new facility is expected to start production by March 2021. It will employ more than 600 people after getting operational. The project is representative of the creation of a new innovative business sector in Croatia’s aerospace industry that supports the local economy and Croatian sub-suppliers and strengthens the country’s export quota. FACC has plans to invest in the training of the Croatian staff and intends to establish a dual training system for aviation professions together with technical schools, thereby demonstrating economic, societal, and social commitment in the region.
News Source: FACC
Market Estimates: Report on Aircraft Cabin Interior Composites Market
