Safran Invests €120 Million to Triple Navigation Sensor Output at Montlucon Site
Safran's Major Investment in Navigation Sensor Production
Overview of the Investment
PARIS, June 7 (Reuters) - French jet engine maker Safran will invest €120 million ($138.23 million) in its Montlucon site in central France to triple output of hemispherical resonator gyroscopes (HRGs) by 2032, its Chief Executive told La Tribune newspaper on Sunday.
What are Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscopes (HRGs)?
• HRGs are highly accurate internal sensors that help planes, ships, and missiles navigate precisely without relying on satellite signals such as GPS.
Safran's Global Expansion Plans
• The project is part of a 1.4 billion euro plan approved in 2025 to expand Safran's production capacity worldwide, Director General Olivier Andries said.
Impact on Montlucon Site
Production and Employment Growth
• The investment will raise the site's annual HRG output to 30,000 units from 10,000 by 2032 and is expected to create more than 150 jobs, Andries said.
Montlucon's Role in Safran's Operations
• Montlucon is a long-standing Safran production site, making inertial navigation systems and related gyroscope technology used in air, land and sea applications.
Other Recent Investments
Boosting Engine Component Output
• The French aerospace and defence group last month announced a €150 million investment in a high-tonnage hydraulic press to boost output of critical engine components.
Currency Exchange Rate
($1 = 0.8681 euros)
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
