Italy's Elettronica plans Middle East growth
Expansion Italian aerospace manufacturer Elettronica is planning to expand its presence in the Middle East, targeting direct contracts as well as participation in international consortia. The company has an office in Abu Dhabi and is active in the field of avionics in the United Arab Emirates on its Dassault Mirage 2000-9 fleet. Elettronica is forecasting revenues of €180 million ($239 million) for 2007, compared with €164 million for 2006, of which around €40 million is set to come from the Middle East.
Hampson boosts composites reach
Acquisition UK-based Hampson Industries is taking over US-based privately owned Composite Horizons. With the £12 million ($23 million) deal, Hampson, which saw strong growth in the first half (see graph), is aiming for a greater share of the growing composite components sector. Chief executive Kim Ward says the deal "gives us a broader, deeper portfolio of products and customer programmes in our core aerospace market", and provides a way in to programmes including the Lockheed Martin F-35 and F-22 and Boeing 777.
NG creates UK subsidiary
Growth Northrop Grumman is boosting its UK and international business with the creation of a new company, Northrop Grumman UK, to allow it to grow in the UK defence, security, civil government and commercial sectors. The move will eventually allow the company to create further advanced technology jobs in the UK, says Graham Thornton, Northrop Grumman UK's director and vice-president for business development. "We expect to grow our UK capabilities in systems integration and other areas of high technology in our core aerospace and defence markets."
Aircelle expands UK production
Manufacturing Safran subsidiary Aircelle is expanding and modernising its UK facility to cope with growing production requirements for composite components. The Burnley-based facility manufactures thrust reverser components for engines used on business and regional jets as well as the Airbus A330 and A380.
Forest-Liné pushes east
Markets France-based manufacturer Forest-Liné is looking to China for further growth, but general director Claude Carbon warns that high labour costs may hold back Western companies' progress in emerging markets. Asia now accounts for more than half the work at its Capdenac plant in south-west France. The company, which makes specialist machines for the manufacture of large parts for aerospace, signed its first Chinese contract relating to the manufacture of composite materials in October, and is awaiting licence approvals before beginning production. But Carbon warns: "We are too expensive: we have to reduce the number of working hours and the cost of working hours."
IAI to invest in facilities
Expansion Newly renamed Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is to invest in upgrading and expanding facilities, having posted a $42 million profit for the third quarter of 2006, compared with $16 million in the same period last year. Net profit before reorganisation expenses for the first nine months was $115 million, compared with $47 million for the same period in 2005.
Source: Flight International