Corus Engineering Steels has invested heavily in the aerospace sector, seeing it as an increasingly significant part of its materials business.
As part of a 100 million ($180 million) investment in aerospace, the division is well represented here at the show. Components made with its steel feature on many of the aircraft on display.
"In fiscal terms, aerospace doesn't yet make up a major proportion of Corus Engineering Steels business, but we see it as a key growth area," says John Burgess, Corus Engineering Steel aerospace sales manager.
One driver for this is the likely shortfall in capacity over the next three years, says Burgess.
"At the top of the current aircraft build cycle in 2008, there is likely to be a 30% shortfall in steel vacuum arc remelt capacity. We're seeing that reflected in long-lead times now and customers who are concerned about security of supply.
"We're positioning ourselves as partners who can give them that security. More than just selling products we're offering support to the major players in the sector."
Corus-manufactured steel is a key material in landing gear and engines. Its major clients include Rolls-Royce, Messier Dowty and Smiths.
Chris Dale, sales manager aerospace service centre, is working with customers supplying the US military. Goodrich uses Corus steel in the landing gear for the Lockheed Martin F-16 and Pratt & Whitney for the engines of the same aircraft.
Says Dale: "Both P&W and Goodrich are manufacturing from Poland and serving the US military sector from there. We have developed strong relationships there and are delighted to have the opportunity at Paris to talk about the end products our materials are used in."
Source: Flight Daily News
