Arabian Business, Tuesday, Jun 25, 2019 | Shawwal 22, 1440
Saudi, French firms ink deal to build aerostructures factory
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Military
Industries (SAMI) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with
Figeac Aero, the French aerospace company, to establish a metallic
aerostructures manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.
The deal with Figeac Aero, which specialises in the machining of structural,
engine, and precision parts in light alloys and hard metals, was signed at the
International Paris Air Show.
The agreement entails setting up a joint venture between SAMI and Figeac Aero to
establish the factory, with SAMI holding the majority of shares in the new
entity.
The JV will execute contracts relating to the manufacturing of military and
commercial aviation metallic components and the project is set to last for two
and a half years.
Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of SAMI, said: “This project represents the backbone of
the aircraft manufacturing industries, and will further strengthen our homegrown
capabilities, in line with the goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.
"By building a solid foundation for indigenous manufacturing, we will be able to
generate significant cost savings while ensuring a safer and more secure future
for the kingdom and its people.”
“After four years spent investigating the Saudi ecosystem with several potential
partners, we are now convinced that our future joint venture partnership with
SAMI will enable Saudi Arabia to develop its own manufacturing capabilities and
build their own aeronautics industry and associated supply-chain,” added
Jean-Claude Maillard, chairman and CEO of Figeac Aero.
The factory will be located in either Riyadh or Jeddah and its activities will
include machining processes such as sheet metal work, surface treatment
processes, and sub-assembly work to deliver finished goods to the final
customer.