On the record! Journalists visit Safran Aerospace Composites in New Hampshire

September 26, 2016

A group of aerospace and industry reporters were given a first-hand look at the advanced manufacturing technologies utilized by Rochester, New Hampshire-based Safran Aerospace Composites in the production of composite components for some of the world’s most modern jet powerplants.                                            

The visit, organized this month by New Hampshire Economic Development, attracted journalists from Aviation International News, Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine, Industry Week and Manufacturing Today.

As part of tours at multiple aerospace company locations, the invitees were shown Safran Aerospace Composites’ production of 3D-woven RTM (resin transfer molding) composite parts that are used in fan cases and fan blades for new-generation LEAP jet engines.

These parts are particularly strong and lightweight, contributing to the lower fuel consumption of LEAP engines, which are produced by CFM International – a 50/50 joint venture of the Safran Aircraft Engines business and GE Aviation.

Inaugurated in 2014, the Safran Aerospace Composites plant brings together the manufacturing expertise of Safran and Albany International Corp. in a state-of-the-art industrial facility occupying approximately 300,000 square feet. The plant currently is staffed by some 250 local employees, with expansion foreseen to nearly 500 people by 2020. 

For this month’s New Hampshire media visit, reporters were briefed by Pierre Buhot-Launay, Safran Aerospace Composites’ Operations Manager, as well as Albany International President & CEO Joe Morone.

Safran Aerospace Composites is one of the three Safran operations in New Hampshire. The others are Vectronix, a global leader in state-of-the-art optronic equipment, systems and sensors supporting the activities of the United States military and homeland security communities; along with Vectronix’ Optics 1 subsidiary, which is responsible for U.S.-based research and development.