Fokker Aerostructures (Papendrecht, The Netherlands) announced during the visit of Mr. Cesar Duarte Jaquez, Governor of the state of Chihuahua, that as a result of successful collaboration with the regional government, the company will expand its world class composite technology to its facility in Mexico.
Established in 2012 for the production of business jet empennages and wings, Fokker cites that the Chihuahua facility services customers including Airbus, Boeing, Cessna, Dassault and Gulfstream. The 6,600 m2 (≈70,000 ft2) facility with 100 employees has reportedly shown excellent results in the production of business jet tails.
Fokker claimed it has a leading position in the application of high-end composite components for large aerostructures and that its Dutch facilities are internationally recognized as centers of excellence for composite parts. It explained that composite aerostructures offer advantages for OEMs and operators including affordability, up to 30 percent weight reduction, manufacturability, lower operational and maintenance costs, low susceptibility to damage and noise reduction.
Fokker explained that the introduction of its innovative composites technology illustrates its long term commitment to its operations in Mexico, and said its U.S. customers have also been very supportive of this strategıc establishment.
Steven Soederhuizen, Fokker Aerostructures vice president of operations, said: "Over the last two years, Fokker in Mexico has successfully built its capabilities and activities into what is now a mature company. Working together with all Mexican stakeholders and the support of the regional government has proven to be essential. The Mexican facility enables further growth and optimizes operations to support current and future customers.”
Mr. Cesar Duarte Jaquez, Governor of the state of Chihuahua commented, “The introduction of this innovative technology introduces the next and exciting phase in the development of Fokker in Mexico. This development seamlessly fits the ambition of Chihuahua to become an important hub for the aerospace industry.”