Looking back on the 2021 financial year, it is clear that FACC is well on track in spite of a challenging market environment. In addition to exciting new orders and prestigious awards, this is demonstrated by FACC’s first project in the space segment and the opening of two new locations. Find out more about FACC’s successes in the 2021 financial year on the following pages.
Major projects for Dassault: FACC on board the new long-haul business jet
The Falcon 10X currently ranks among the most exciting new developments in the business jet market. Its conceptual design provides for increased travel comfort and greater efficiency during operations. This is, not least, made possible by components from FACC, which include cargo compartment linings and winglets. As a development and production partner, FACC is also manufacturing the lightweight components for the Falcon engine, the latest and most powerful addition to the Pearl family, which Rolls-Royce is producing exclusively for the Falcon 10X. Specifically, FACC is supplying the bypass ducts including access doors, the fan housing liners, the engine spinner and the cable bushings. This not only improves the efficiency of the engine itself, but also reduces the overall weight of the Falcon 10X while enabling quieter operation.
Multiple awards for multiple responsibilities
With its lightweight solutions, FACC is contributing significantly to making aircraft quieter, safer, more efficient, faster and more environmentally friendly. In terms of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, the company is also pursuing a consistent course internally. In 2021, FACC received a number of awards honoring its contributions to society, its staff, and environmental and climate protection: the GreenTech Award 2020/2021, eccos22® certification in accordance with ONR 192500, and the seal of approval for Excellence in Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility. For FACC, these awards are confirmation that the group is well on track when it comes to living up to its responsibilities. At the same time, they serve as an incentive for continuous improvement.
Industry Reputation Report: FACC occupies top positions
Each year, the Austrian Industriemagazin evaluates and ranks the reputation of domestic industrial enterprises. This year, FACC achieved first place in the category of mechanical and plant engineering, and second place in the general ranking. Innovative strength, quality, sustainability and continuous entrepreneurial development are the key ingredients of FACC’s recipe for success. The COVID-19 crisis may also have contributed to the favorable perception of FACC this year: Despite the challenging environment, the company remained firmly focused on the future at all times.
Cooperation expanded: New tail unit components for the Airbus A220
For 40 years, FACC has been working together with Airbus on the development of increasingly lighter components for the aircraft industry. The new contract for the production of tail unit components for the A220 is set to further strengthen this long-standing partnership. In this project, FACC is the sole supplier for the rudder and elevator of the wide-body jet, with the first components delivered in early 2022.
The order, which is as extensive as it is complex, comprises the manufacture and assembly of the rudders with a length of up to 6.4 meters and a width of 1.9 meters. This not only requires utmost precision, but also complex logistics solutions. A sophisticated manufacturing concept along with the in-house production of metal components on a highly efficient and automated five-axis CNC milling machine guarantee compliance with all the customer’s technical and economic requirements.
Spot landing in Florida
Owing to the positive development of the Aftermarket Services business segment launched in 2018, FACC decided to open a new location in Melbourne, Florida, at the end of 2021. The plant focuses on the repair, refurbishment and replacement of interior components for business jets. Establishing a local presence in this market segment is particularly important to be able to respond to individual customer requirements more effectively. Alongside Ried in Austria and Montreal in Canada, the U. S. site is now FACC’s third location for Aftermarket Services. Further growth steps could follow.
Austrian Technology Days: Flying really can be green
Despite particular challenges, the aviation industry can look forward to ideal future conditions. With rising population figures and intensive urbanisation, the need for new mobility concepts such as the use of drones is also increasing. This was the conclusion of the Austrian Aviation Technology Days 2021, which FACC hosted for the first time in Ried im Innkreis – a sign that the entire region is increasingly becoming a hotspot for the aviation supply industry.
The focus was on future topics in the field of ecological transformation in relation to flying. “The aim is to enable CO2-free flying by 2050,” explains Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG, providing a topic of discussion for the politicians and representatives of international aviation companies in attendance. One thing is certain: modern lightweight construction technologies like those developed by FACC will play a leading role in this transformation.
High tech for aerospace: FACC develops and manufactures central structural component for Ariane 6
FACC has been implementing a space project since November 2021, which is a first in its corporate history. By October 2022, the company is to develop and manufacture a central structural component for the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle on behalf of the European Space Agency ESA. In this project, FACC is able to make full use of its technological and manufacturing expertise. The so-called kick-stage main structure of the Ariane 6 must be as lightweight as possible while being able to withstand the highest loads; the module namely carries four fuel tanks, the engine and the flight electronics in addition to the actual cargo of the rocket.
For FACC, this first contract in the space sector constitutes a decisive milestone on its Roadmap 2030, in which the development of new business fields in addition to the aerospace industry plays a central role.
Embraer Best Supplier Award: An outstanding partnership
A first order in 2006 marked the beginning of a very successful long-term cooperation between the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and FACC. At the end of 2021, Embraer honored its development and manufacturing partner from Upper Austria with the Best Supplier Award in the Program Development category. With this recognition, the company sent a clear signal of appreciation for the excellent performance it has come to expect from FACC in the development and production of high-tech components for the E2-Jet family.
Take-off in Croatia: FACC launches production of interior components in Jakovlje
Since 2019, FACC has invested approximately EUR 15 million in the development and construction of its new site near Zagreb. After a pandemic-related postponement, the production of interior components on an area of approximately 10,000 square meters was kicked off in December 2021. It is expected that 600 jobs will be created at the Croatian plant, with which FACC Cabin Interiors intends to further expand its market position in the field of interiors made of lightweight components for wide-body aircraft and business jets.
Bombardier Challenger 3500: Ultimate cabin experience, revolutionary design and sustainable materials
For FACC, the new year 2022 got off to a flying start with a very prestigious order from Bombardier. The Canadian aircraft manufacturer is considered the market leader for super midsize jets. For the latest upgrade of its models from the Challenger family, the Challenger 3500, FACC will be developing and manufacturing a large part of the cabin components: Cabinets, side walls, ceiling panels, partitions and passenger service units of the highest design and material quality are to ensure an unforgettable cabin experience. FACC has set up its own manufacturing facility for leathering and the production of veneered and high-gloss lacquered furniture. This allows the company to respond even more flexibly to individual customer requirements in-house. In addition to delivering premium quality, the processing of sustainable materials also plays a key role in this project.