Jun 13 2007
Alcan has signed a new long-term agreement to supply Airbus with a variety of high-performance aluminum products, including plate, sheet, stringer, and small extrusions and tubes, for the full range of Airbus' aircraft programs, including the A380 and the new A350 XWB. Specific terms of the contract were not disclosed. "This agreement underscores Alcan's position as the largest supplier of aluminum products to Airbus and the importance of the aerospace market segment to Alcan's strong business portfolio. We are very proud of the successful continuation of our long-standing cooperation with one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers," said Christel Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Engineered Products following the signing of the agreement. "Based on Alcan's large portfolio of proprietary alloys including the latest generation of aluminum lithium, Airbus' and Alcan's integrated project teams have jointly developed innovative solutions for advanced aerospace structures. Our expertise helps our customers to build better aircraft, while at the same time reducing the manufacturing costs and greenhouse gas emissions of their products," she added.
Alcan will also supply Airbus' parent company, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), with aluminum-based solutions for its range of aerospace applications.
"We believe that new alloys, combined with innovative design and joining techniques will ensure that aluminum applications remain competitive for aerospace structures in the foreseeable future. Alcan's expertise, strong R&D base, global manufacturing footprint in both Europe and North America, and commitment to supplier excellence make us a partner of choice for Airbus," said Jean-Philippe Cael, President of Alcan Aerospace, Transportation and Industry (ATI).
In Europe, Alcan supplies the aerospace industry primarily from its Issoire facility in France, an acknowledged leader in the production of high-quality aluminum plate for aerospace, aeronautical and transportation applications. The plant, which employs 1,500 people, increased its plate capacity by 20 percent in June, 2006 through a new US$28 million advanced aerospace plate equipment installation. In North America, Alcan supplies the aerospace industry from its Ravenswood, West Virginia, USA plant, which in December of 2005, initiated a US$27 million upgrade in its aluminum plate capacity.