Snecma (Safran) and Kikuchi Gear Co., Ltd. located in Tochigi, Japan, announced today that Snecma selected Kikuchi Gear as a supplier of titanium-aluminide (TiAl) blades on the low-pressure turbine of the new CFM International LEAP* engine and both companies entered into the long-term agreement. Kikuchi Gear, a Japanese high-precision machining house, has been involved in the test and development phase of TiAl blade project led by Snecma thus far and is currently gearing up for the mass production scheduled to start from 2016. The construction of new plant which will be equipped with the integrated production line from machining process to non-destructive testing is under way in Ashikaga city, in the proximity of Kikuchi Gear's existing plants and head office.

"Snecma can see the potential and persistence in the performance of Kikuchi Gear which proves their high level of skills and technical expertise needed for the TiAl blade project. We're working together to achieve high targets." said Etienne Galan, Vice President of Purchasing of Snecma.

"For Kikuchi Gear, this is the first time to take part in the new engine program with Snecma but we're ready to meet the challenging requirements by making the most of our resources for the success of this project." said Yoshinori Kikuchi, President and CEO of Kikuchi Gear.

Kikuchi Gear literally has prestigious track record of gear production for a wide range of application in the Japanese automobile, aerospace and construction machinery industries, and keeps trying to expand their business into overseas market with the support of METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan) and business partners. Since 2011, Kikuchi Gear has continued to exhibit at Paris Air Show and put its finger on the pulse of aerospace manufacturing market. "We will seek every opportunity to hone our skills and catch up with the international standard of manufacturing and quality control, and fulfill customer's need." added Yoshinori Kikuchi.