Geoff Thomas

Lucas Aerospace has acquired French flight systems supplier SAMM, a subsidiary of the PSA Peugeot Citroen group, a move which propels the company into the top market position in the supply of flight control actuation.

The acquisition is part of the company's strategy to treble its turnover and improve its global ranking.

The international market for flight control actuation is highly fragmented with more than 10 companies competing in a market worth around $750 million annually.

Lucas Aerospace is actively participating in the current consolidation process and continues to invest heavily to retain its position in the market.

SAMM is a high technology niche flight systems supplier serving Airbus Industrie. The acquisition is a strategic move by Lucas, designed to increase its presence in Europe and enhance its existing capability.

Excited

"We are excited about this important acquisition, which makes Lucas Aerospace the world's leader in the design and manufacture of civil flight control actuation," says Ken Maciver, executive vice-president and general manager of Lucas Aerospace.

"We are looking to provide our customers with a comprehensive range of services, whether it be complete systems or flight control components."

The addition of SAMM to the Lucas Aerospace family also gives the company the added engineering and management strength to compete successfully for new programmes such as the yet-to-be-launched Airbus A3XX, as well as to strengthen its position in the helicopter market in which SAMM has significant success.

Employing 500 people in two facilities located in Bievres and Vernon, France, SAMM designs and manufactures flight controls, hydraulic generators, electro-hydraulic components and man/machine interfaces.

Lucas Aerospace, a TRW company, provides the global aerospace industry with systems and equipment in cargo handling, engine controls, flight controls, missile systems, hoists and winches, and power generation and management.

It has 23 sites worldwide, two of which are in Paris employing 770 people. This acquisition brings its total employees in France to 1,280.

Source: Flight Daily News