Edited Press Release
PARIS -(Dow Jones)- EADS (5730.FR) said Tuesday that with GKN Aerospace's (GKN.LN) recent acquisition of the Airbus wing component and assemblies manufacturing unit at Filton, U.K., EADS/Airbus has accomplished its aerostructures reorganisation strategy.
This initiative combines the divestment of non-core activities and sites in order to establish a network of strong suppliers, allowing Airbus to concentrate on its core business as being an aircraft architect and integrator.
Filton's part site sell-off to GKN follows the successful transfer of the Laupheim site in Germany to Diehl and Thales (HO.FR) on Oct. 1, 2008. Prior to this, the carve-out process for the former German Airbus sites in Nordenham and Varel and the former EADS site in Augsburg to create the new Premium AEROTEC GmbH was also accomplished. A similar process was undertaken in France, where Meaulte and St. Nazaire Ville are now the foundation of Aerolia.
Both Premium AEROTEC and Aerolia commenced full operations on Jan. 1 under EADS ownership, and are well positioned to become major players on the global market, especially regarding Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) aerostructures.
Not only will all companies be significantly involved in the A350 XWB programme, they will also commit to the EADS/Airbus Power 8 targets. Aerolia for example has already decided to extend its enterprise and invest in a new plant in Tunisia.
Company Web site: www.eads.com
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