Morson aims for UK and overseas expansion
Strategy UK-based engineering specialist Morson Projects is expanding at home and abroad after opening new offices in Birmingham in the UK and Belgrade in Serbia. Syd Carson, technical director aerospace and defence, says the company intends to open the new UK site to work for other customers when its obligation to focus on Airbus work ends after two years. It plans to double the site's workforce to 100 by the end of 2007. Morson also aims to expand its eastern European business by growing the 20-strong workforce in Belgrade. Carson also hopes that customer Airbus's Power8 restructuring plan could have a positive impact. "Morson Projects is discussing with Airbus UK the implications - the detail will clarify over the next few weeks and months," he says. "Airbus's move towards more outsourcing should see further opportunities for Morson Projects as a strategic supplier of outsourced services."
Saab sees Gripen sales growing in 2007
Results Saab is confident that it will see interest for its Gripen fighter aircraft from neighbouring Denmark and Norway as well as countries in eastern Europe, according to president and chief executive Ake Svensson. He adds that the company hopes to increasingly apply its defence technologies to civil applications. The company ended 2006 with a record order book of SKr51 billion ($7.2 billion) and posted solid sales growth (see graph).
Ukraine progresses aerospace consolidation
Mergers Ukraine's government is moving ahead with its strategy of consolidating the country's aerospace interests with the selection of 10 aerospace companies to merge into one organisation, Ukraine Aviation. As well as the three giants - Antonov, KiGAZ Aviant and KSAMC - FED, GP Novator, Kiev Aircraft Repair Station 410, NII Buran, Radioizmeritel and ZMKB Progress are included. The government has dissolved the Antonov corporation, which was formed in 2005 from 14 enterprises. Ukraine Aviation's objective is to streamline production of the An-148 and An-140 regional aircraft while supporting low-rate manufacture of the An-74 freighter/business jet family. The government is aiming for annual output of 12-16 An-148s at Aviant and 10-12 An-140s and An-74s at KSAMC.
Latécoère targets composites as profit dips
Manufacturing Latécoère is planning to study the opportunities offered by customer Airbus's Power8 restructuring plan as it launches its own blueprint to strengthen its position in composites, and defend itself against the weakness of the US dollar. The company also wants to be a significant partner to Airbus on the A350 XWB and is planning to open a second factory to manufacture parts of composite fuselage. The Toulouse-based company saw its 2006 earnings before interest and tax dip by 8% to €34.7 million ($45.6 million) on revenues of €432.7 million, 22% higher than the previous year. The manufacturer says programme delays and increased investment in technology increased charges for the year. It invested 19% of its turnover, or €84 million, in research and development.
Vector restructuring boosts income
Earnings The Canadian aircraft repair and overhaul specialist Vector's 2006 results showed the benefits of restructuring at its Acrohelipro Global Services helicopter support subsidiary, posting earnings of C$16.4 million ($13.9 million) for 2006, compared with C$11.5 million the year before. Investors added their vote of confidence to the company's performance, as shares rose on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Source: Flight International
