The opening of the building, operated by Goodrich Aerospace Europe S.A.S., features an innovative robotic thrust reverser assembly line. The facility was dedicated during an event attended by company leaders, Airbus executives, program teams and local employees.
The new building is adjacent to the existing production facility, which is a final assembly and integration site for the nacelle systems on several Airbus programs, including the A320 family. The nacelle systems for the A350 XWB, the largest nacelle ever built by the Aerostructures business, will contribute to the expected lower fuel consumption offered by the new twinjet. The new building includes a 50,000-ft2/4,645m2 thrust reverser robotic production area with a moving assembly line, a paint shop with an infrared curing tunnel and office space for support functions.
The company began operations in Toulouse in 1973, when it first started producing nacelle systems for the Airbus A300 model.
"We have delivered more than 15,000 nacelles to Airbus in the past 40 years and we're extremely proud to celebrate another milestone today with the inauguration of this new A350 XWB building," says UTC Aerospace Systems – Aerostructures president Marc Duvall. "Our relationship with Airbus is an example of what can happen when companies work together. The innovative thrust reverser assembly line, along with the optimized design of the whole building to ensure a smooth and lean flow for all operations, will enable us to meet program ramp-up as this exciting new platform enters into service later this year."
UTC Aerospace Systems provides more than 20 proprietary systems for the new Airbus A350 XWB including electric power generation and secondary distribution, wheels and carbon/carbon brakes, pilot side stick controllers, SmartProbe air data system and various engine components.