STUTTGART, Germany—Trelleborg A.B.'s Sealing Solutions business is strengthening its position as a manufacturer of sealing and elastomeric products for the aerospace industry.
It recently launched production at its new aerospace products factory in Conde-sur-Noireau, France, that spans about 32,292 square feet and has a work force of around 100. It cost approximately $5.6 million to build the complex.
With a focus on the international nature of the aerospace industry, the Conde-sur-Noireau facility “will be an effective resource for our existing and future aerospace customers,” according to Claus Barsoe, business area president of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.
He added that demand for high performance sealing solutions in the aerospace sector is strong.
Stuttgart-based Trelleborg Sealing Solutions' newest plant replaces an existing facility in the city. The decision to keep aerospace manufacturing in the country demonstrates the firm's commitment to France's aviation industry, Barsoe said.
It also reflects changes in the industry that prompted the company to realign its international aerospace organization under Global Marketing Aerospace, which acts as a focal point for products and services provided by more than 15 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions' manufacturing plants that focus on the industry, the firm said.
Global Marketing Aerospace was created in July 2014. According to a spokeswoman, it offers a one-stop-shop for aerospace elastomer and plastic sealing products with strong research and development support and in-house, state-of-the-art manufacturing that provides components compliant with all aerospace quality and process standards.
Advanced delivery options can be tailored to meet customer requirements, including single bag and tie, kitting and direct line feed, the spokeswoman said.
The company opted to keep its manufacturing facility in Conde-sur-Noireau because France is a hub, “so we feel it is important that we support the aviation industry in the country,” she said.
Trelleborg has seen a trend for aerospace customers to become fewer and larger, principally because of mergers and acquisitions, according Michel Prouff, director of global marketing for aerospace. “Recognizing that manufacturing may be in one region while engineering is in another, we've set up our aerospace marketing structure to reflect that.
“Importantly, our expert local engineers can work with our customers' engineers in their local language. Then our international logistics network can ensure delivery, where required and as required, from our worldwide manufacturing facilities, supplying components that comply with all required aerospace standards.”