Safran plans €125m aircraft components plant in Wallonia

Compressor plant in Welkenraedt aims to support rising demand from major civil aircraft engine programmes, with operations expected to begin in 2028

Safran Aero Boosters is setting up a new subsidiary in Wallonia as it expands compressor component capacity to support rising demand across major civil engine programmes.

Safran Booster Components will be based in Welkenraedt and will manufacture aircraft engine compressor components, adding a fourth industrial site to Safran Aero Boosters’ Wallonia network alongside Milmort, Liers and Marchin.

The €125 million project has been structured with Wallonie Entreprendre taking 33%, the Belgian Federal Holding and Investment Company – SFPIM 11% and Safran Aero Boosters 56%.

Safran said the investment responds to accelerating production requirements on programmes including LEAP, GEnx and GE9X, with output expected to rise in the coming years. The added capacity is intended to help protect supply continuity for Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.

Operations at Welkenraedt are due to begin in 2028 in an 18,000 square metre building previously occupied by Copeland. Safran said reusing the site avoids additional land take while allowing the group to install updated production, digitalisation and robotics capabilities.

The company said the plant will create about 100 jobs and strengthen its regional industrial base while supporting the wider resilience of its global supply chain.

“With this new facility in Wallonia, Safran Aero Boosters is equipping itself with the capacities required to support the ramp-up announced on several strategic engine programs. This plant will enable us to secure our supplies and anticipate our customers’ needs. With this investment, supported by committed public partners, we are sustainably strengthening our global leadership,” says François Lepot, Chief Executive Officer at Safran Aero Boosters.

“In a demanding international context, Safran Aero Boosters perfectly illustrates the importance of innovation and research in remaining competitive in a constantly evolving world,” adds Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment. “This new plant will breathe new life into an existing industrial site formerly occupied by Copeland, helping to revive the local ecosystem.”