France-based Safran and Albany International have officially opened a new 3D woven resin transfer moulding (RTM) composites facility to produce parts for aircraft engines in Rochester, New Hampshire, US.
Located at the Granite State Business Park, the 300,000ft² Rochester plant will initially produce components for fan cases and blades for CFM International’s LEAP engine.
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LEAP engine will be used to power the new and improved narrow-body commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo.
The 3D woven RTM composite parts produced by Safran and Albany are strong and lightweight, and will contribute to deliver 15% improved fuel efficiency, compared with the present CFM engines.
Albany International Corp president and CEO Joseph Morone said the inaugural event is an important milestone in a collaboration between Safran and Albany that began in 2000 as a joint research and development.
"The strong relationships our two companies have formed with the state of New Hampshire and city of Rochester and their support of our joint effort have contributed immeasurably to the success we celebrate today," Morone said.
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By GlobalDataThe plant currently employs 130 people, with a total of 400-500 expected to be employed once full-rate production is reached.
Safran and Albany are building a similar plant in Commercy, France, to produce the same advanced composites parts for the LEAP engine. This plant will begin operations in mid-2014.
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