Safran expands its operations in Le Creusot to produce complex parts for Rafale engines

Today, the Le Creusot site exclusively produces low-pressure turbine discs for CFM International's LEAP and CFM56 engines, which power the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 (CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace). This expansion will allow for the integration of production lines for complex rotating parts for the M88 and GE90 engines, which power the Rafale fighter jet and the Boeing 777 long-haul aircraft, respectively. This project represents an investment of €70 million and will increase the site's workforce from 200 to 300 employees by 2032. Operational in 2029, this 9,000 m² expansion will bring the total industrial area to 26,000 m².

Thanks to this expansion, the Le Creusot site will become the second industrial source for complex rotating parts for the M88 engine, complementing the Évry-Corbeil site, ensuring business continuity and a significant ramp-up in M88 engine deliveries. Machining of these parts will begin in 2026 at the historic Le Creusot site, before being rolled out to the expansion.

“We are proud to announce the expansion of the Le Creusot site, which embodies our ambition to strengthen our internal supply chain to ensure business growth,” said Claude Quillien, Industrial and Supply Chain Director of Safran Aircraft Engines. “This project will contribute to strengthening our industrial and technological sovereignty and meeting the needs of our civil and military customers.” A true industrial showcase for Safran, the site boasts the best Industry 4.0 standards: integrated digital processes, connected and automated production management, and unique expertise in industrialization and quality control. This translates into outstanding industrial performance on the LEAP program, high autonomy in machining processes, and flexible, robust production. Many operations are performed using "closed-door machining": a production method in which a set of automated machining centers operate continuously, without human intervention, including at night.