Mahindra Aerospace Inaugurates New Aerostructures Facility in Bangalore

BANGALORE, October 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Announces Partnership With the Aernnova Group of Spain

http://www.mahindra.com/News/Press-Releases/1382349975

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Mahindra Aerospace today inaugurated its state-of-the-art 25,000 sq. m aerostructures manufacturing facility at the Narsapura Industrial Estate near Bangalore. This service-oriented facility has the ability to accurately craft large, complex sheet metal parts using CNC routing, stretch-forming, bladder press, heat treatment and other specialized equipment.

The facility also features 5-axis CNC machining, a fully-automated surface treatment line, priming and painting capabilities for parts and assemblies and nearly 10,000 sq. m. of space for the manufacture of major airframe assemblies and sub-assemblies. With its comprehensive mix of capabilities, the facility is intended to assist OEMs and Tier 1's mitigate concerns on single-point responsibility for cost, schedule and quality of deliverables.

Mahindra Aerospace today also announced the signing of a technology partnership with the Aernnova Group, a leading aerostructures Tier 1 supplier that is headquartered in Spain with facilities around the globe. Aernnova specializes in the design and manufacture of major airframe assemblies and is a key supplier on numerous civil and military aircraft programs for several global aircraft OEMs. This technology partnership is Aernnova's first with an Indian aerostructures manufacturer. Aernnova and Mahindra Aerospace will work together to develop capabilities and meet market demand for mutual benefit.

The new plant has been established at a total cost of approximately Rs. 150 crore and has the capacity to deliver about Rs. 250 crores in revenue per annum when operating at peak capacity. Initially the company plans to commence manufacturing activities with smaller parts and sub-assemblies, and then ramp up to larger, more complex assemblies.

It is currently in the process of gaining industry-standard AS9100C and NADCAP accreditations, alongside stringent quality approvals for individual customers and programs. It is also investing in skilled aerospace sheet metal, special processing and assembly workers, and will generate significant employment as operations ramp up over the next 5 to 7 years.

Commenting on this initiative, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said "Our aerospace vision is to build a robust business encompassing both aircraft and component manufacture for Indian and global markets. With its unique capabilities and skilled teams, this new facility will accelerate Mahindra Aerospace on its mission to strengthen India's place in the global Aerostructures supply chain."

According to Hemant Luthra, President -Mahindra Systech, "This facility demonstrates our commitment to aerospace and to strengthening our domestic eco-system. We will deliver complex, build-to-print parts and assemblies out of this facility and offer cost-competitive, world-class aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The plant will be a service provider that can service multiple OEMs and their supply chains. With our Group's strength in aerospace engineering, we would like to progress from 'build-to-print' towards 'design-to-delivery' offerings in the future."

According to InakiGandasegui, Chairman, Aernnova Group,""This facility has been designed to be world-class, and is an excellent addition to India's supply chain. We believe it will play a strong role in the regional eco-system and also help address capacity challenges for the OEMs as they ramp up production rates. We are proud to be associated with the Mahindra Group and look forward to a vibrant, mutually beneficial partnership."

About Mahindra Aerospace

Mahindra Aerospace led the Mahindra Group's foray into utility aircraft and aerostructures manufacturing. Having integrated its 2010 acquisitions of Australia-based Aerostaff and GippsAero into its operations,it continues to invest in developing and fielding new capabilities, in both India and Australia.

Its utility aircraft business, based in Australia's Latrobe Valley region, currently produces the GA8, a capable, rugged and versatile 8-seat utility workhorse.Certified in 38 countries, over 180 GA8s are in current service in Australia, USA, Canada, Europe and many other regions of the world. It is currently developing the GA10, a 10-seat turboprop derivative of the GA8, for market entry in 2014.It also has a unique partnering agreement with India's National Aerospace Laboratories to co-develop the 5-seat C-NM5 which will follow the GA10 into the certification process.

In Aerostructures, Mahindra Aerospace has integrated its Australian and Indian teams to develop its new manufacturing facility in India, out of which it aims to meet global OEM and Tier 1 sourcing requirements and develop long-term stable sourcing relationships.

Please email [email protected] for more details on Mahindra Aerospace and its product range.

About Aernnova

Aernnova is a leading Aerostructures company specialized in the Design and Manufacturing of Empennages, Wings and Rear Fuselages. Aernnova capabilities enable it to assume full responsibility of programs over the Product Life Cycle, from Conceptual and Detail Design, Testing & Certification to Serial Production and In Service Support. Aernnova can also perform each of these activities separately, adapting to the needs of its clients.

For more information: http://www.aernnova.com

About Mahindra

The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise through solutions that power mobility, drive rural prosperity, enhance urban lifestyles and increase business efficiency.

A USD 16.2 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 155,000 people in over 100 countries. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology and vacation ownership. In addition, Mahindra enjoys a strong presence in the agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel, commercial vehicles and two wheeler industries.

In 2012, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000 list, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world. In 2013, the Mahindra Group received the Financial Times 'Boldness in Business' Award in the 'Emerging Markets' category.

Visit us at http://www.mahindra.com

For further enquiries
Roma Balwani
Chief Group Communications Officer
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Phone: +91-22-2490-1441
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Mahindra & Mahindra Limited