The Swiss Aeronautical Industries Group (SAIG) is planning to create an advanced composites group to bid jointly for subcontracts, mirroring the earlier formation of a cluster of engine parts manufacturers.
SAIG, part of Switzerland's mechanical and electrical industries association Swissmem, wants to co-ordinate the bids from members engaged in active composite research, including Huber + Suhner and Mecaplex, to tender jointly for subassembly work from first-tier suppliers. Albert Gaide, SAIG president says: "We are going the way the supply chain wants, towards supplying complete subsystems." Swiss companies have a rare chance to create a niche in active composites, with nanotechnology embedded in the layers to create active surfaces, he adds.
Source: Flight International
