Aerolia chooses ThyssenKrupp Aerospace

Since its formation as a seperate division within EADS in 2008 Aerolia has moved quickly to pursue its objective of becoming one of the leanest aerostructures manufacturers in the world.

It has already announced its intention to focus on critical elements of the manufacturing process to develop a revolutionary new working relationship with its key suppliers to manage other activities.

Today it announces that as part of this approach it has signed a 5 year agreement with ThyssenKrupp Aerospace to manage material procurement, processing and supply which will both reduce Aerolia's overall costs and improve the efficiency of their materials supply chain. This contract will give Aerolia the opportunity to invest in new developments such as composites and other technologies.

As part of the agreement, ThyssenKrupp Aerospace, which already has 35 locations in 15 countries worldwide, will invest in a new facility at Albert in Picardie and will invest in inventories, warehousing and equipment elsewhere. This network will provide a responsive service to Aerolia's operations in St Nazaire, Meaulte and Tunisia and to a wide range of their subcontractors throughout France and in other countries.

Overall ThyssenKrupp Aerospace will manage the metallic supply chain for Aerolia including the storage, processing and supply of up tp 10,000 tonnes of aluminium per year.

In announcing the deal Raphael Duflos, VP Procurement of Aerolia, said "This agreement is a major step forward. It will enable us to focus on our core business and assist the implementation of our strategy of becoming an independant business. The cash it will generate will enable us to invest in new technologies which will enabke us to acheive world class status."

Stuart Wilkins President of ThyssenKrupp Aerospace said "We are delighted to support this initiative and to be selected as Aerolia's preferred supplier. We fundamentally believe that closer working relationships between major aerospace companies and their supply base will drive cost optimisation and improve supply security. This agreement is a first in France and indicates the way forward for the whole aerospace materials supply chain."