October 23 (SeeNews) - Austria-based aircraft parts manufacturer FACC said on Monday it is investing 21 million euro ($22.3 million) in the expansion of its production site in Croatia's Jakovlje near Zagreb.
"The production area of the plant for manufacturing high-tech components for cabin interiors, which opened in 2022, will be tripled and an additional office building constructed," the company said in a press release after a groundbreaking ceremony for the plant expansion.
The construction work will be completed in June 2024, and the workforce will almost triple to 600 employees by the end of 2026.
"Based on many factors, we decided to set up the largest non-Austrian production site here, a decision that was right. At the 2022 opening, we already announced a plan to further expand the facility soon, I am very happy that we are now in the execution phase of this significant FACC milestone," according to CEO Robert Machtlinger.
A new PV system in the works, covering an area of 2,000 square metres, will provide around two thirds of the annual energy consumption currently required and thus make a significant contribution to sustainable production.
The expansion foresees the addition of a fully automated paint shop and precise manufacturing equipment, allowing for quicker production and higher output. The site also includes an office for IT, engineering, and purchasing teams. The expansion adds around 12,500 square metres of space.
FACC is owned by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and manufactures components for aircraft wings, tail assemblies and fuselages as well as engines and cabin interiors for all major aircraft makers.
($ = 0.942 euro)