Technology and IIoT

3-D Plant Manufacturing Aircraft Engine Parts Opens in New Hampshire

March 31, 2014

The plant, which opened during 2013, was built to produce 3-D woven composite parts using RTM technology for aircraft engine parts. The first application will be fan cases and fan blades for CFM International’s LEAP engine, dedicated to the next-generation single-aisle aircraft.

Adrienne Selko

Safran, an international high-tech company in the aerospace sector, and Albany International Corp., an advanced textiles and materials processing company, today inaugurated today a new plant in Rochester, N.H., that will produce 3-D woven RTM composite parts for aircraft engines.

“Today’s event is an important milestone in a collaboration between Safran and Albany that began in 2000 as joint research and development and that has blossomed into the unique partnership epitomized by this plant,” said Joseph Morone, CEO of Albany International Corp.

Currently 130 people are employed at the joint operation, with a total of 400-500 envisioned when full-rate production is attained.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is deeply rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technologies. Particularly strong and lightweight, the 3D RTM composite parts produced by Safran and Albany will contribute strongly to provide 15% better fuel consumption compared to today’s best CFM engine, according to the companies.

Selected to power new and improved narrow-body commercial aircraft including the Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo, the LEAP engine has achieved broad-based market acceptance with more than 6,000 engines ordered to date.

“I am very pleased to inaugurate this plant today along with our Albany International partner,” said Jean-Paul Herteman, CEO of Safran. “Our presence in Rochester reflects our commitment to this state and to the U.S. For more than 40 years, through CFM International, our exceptional long-term partnership with GE, and both organic growth and acquisitions, Safran has become a formidable presence in the U.S. Our aim is to continue to expand our position and to contribute to the development of the aerospace and security markets as an American company, to ensure optimum service for our civil and military customers here,” he added.

Safran and Albany have made significant investments in the Rochester plant, which features a state-of-the-art industrial design, and the two companies are also building a similar plant in Commercy, France, that will produce the same advanced composites parts for the LEAP engine. The Commercy plant will start operations mid-2014.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.