Business
Safran Invests €150 Million in New Forging Press to Double Capacity at Gennevilliers Site
Safran Aircraft Engines has announced a major €150 million investment to double its forging capacity at the Gennevilliers site in France, with the centerpiece being a new 30,000-metric-tonne hydraulic press. The facility, scheduled to become operational by 2029, represents a cornerstone of Safran's long-term strategy to expand industrial capabilities for critical engine components. This project will create 130 jobs starting in 2026 and is expected to boost annual parts production to 14,000, with overall site output projected to nearly double by 2035 across all engine programs.
The investment directly supports growing demand for next-generation propulsion systems, particularly the CFM International LEAP engine that powers the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families. Beyond commercial aviation, the enhanced forging capability will strengthen production for military programs including engines for the Rafale, Mirage, and A400M, as well as high-thrust engines like the GE90 for the Boeing 777. The new press will also enable Safran to manufacture larger, more complex components required for future civil engine programs that demand high-tonnage forging capabilities.
The upgraded facility will incorporate advanced digital technologies, including sensors and connected systems for precise, real-time production monitoring, while also reducing noise levels within the forge. This project complements recent upgrades at Safran's Rennes and Le Creusot sites, reinforcing the resilience of its French-based supply chain. Chief Executive Stéphane Cueille described the project as a strategic move to underpin strong growth across civil and defense segments while reinforcing the company's forging expertise and contributing to French industrial sovereignty.
With over 120 years of operational history, the Gennevilliers site remains a cornerstone of Safran's industrial network, uniquely integrating forging, casting, and machining capabilities among aircraft engine manufacturers. This investment not only supports operational efficiency and technological leadership but also positions Safran to meet rising global demand for both commercial and military engines. As the company looks toward 2035, this expanded capacity ensures it can deliver the high-quality, complex components essential for the next generation of aircraft propulsion systems.
