Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza (Safran) announce plans to construct a production plant in Poland

Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza (Safran) have named their joint venture Aero Gearbox International and announced plans to construct a new production plant in Poland. The news follows the signing of a final agreement, on 24 October 2014, to create a jointly-owned company that will design, develop, produce and support accessory drive trains (ADTs) for all of Rolls-Royce’s future civil aircraft engines.

The new venture will capitalise on its parent companies’ combined experience and expertise, encompassing the capabilities of Hispano-Suiza in the design and production of accessory drive trains, and the engine design and propulsion system integration skills of Rolls-Royce.

Based on an initial exclusive 25-year contract, Aero Gearbox International will cover the entire range of civil aircraft, from business jets to widebody commercial jets. Accessory drive trains, sometimes referred to as accessory gearboxes, are a critical component of a gas turbine engine, harnessing its power to drive systems and accessories such as fuel pumps, hydraulic pumps and electrical generators. The accessory drive train for the new Trent 7000 will be one of Aero Gearbox International’s first products.

Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza will manage Aero Gearbox International’s operations. The joint venture will initially have a total of 60 employees from the two parent companies spread across Colombes (near Paris, France), Derby (UK) and Dahlewitz (Germany). It is headquartered at Hispano-Suiza’s site in Colombes.

The construction of a new production plant will start at the end of 2015. It will be located in the Podkarpackie Province in southeast Poland. This dedicated production facility will harness the region’s mechanical expertise and draw on the experience of the Hispano-Suiza Polska facility located in Sedziszow Malopolski. The new plant will initially grow to approximately 110 people and the first deliveries are expected in 2017.

“I would like to congratulate everybody at Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza who contributed to the creation of this new joint venture,” said Hélène Moreau-Leroy, CEO of Hispano-Suiza. “Aero Gearbox International carries on the long-standing relationship between our two companies, and allows Hispano-Suiza to secure its world leadership in the accessory drive train market for mainline commercial jets.”

Norbert Arndt, Rolls-Royce, Executive Vice President – Structures and Transmissions, said, “Rolls-Royce’s market lead in the Civil Large Engine market is built on innovation alongside proven expertise. This joint venture delivers both. I’m proud of what our teams have created and am sure our customers across the total civil engine business will be delighted.”

Source: Rolls Royve Press Release