Total make over
Things are really happening at Denel Saab Aerostrucutres. An extensive facility upgrade is going on meaning major investments in new technology.
Denel Saab Aerostructures is a rather newly established company on the aerospace market, formed in the beginning of 2007. The South African company, which is 80% owned by Denel and 20% owned by Saab, has customers such as Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems, Agusta Westland, IAI and Saab.
During the second half of 2007, Denel Saab Aerostructures have completed, or are in the final stages of completing, the implementation of new equipment that forms part of a total facility upgrade.
- We do this to enhance our competitiveness on the market and to prepare ourselves for currently acquired and future business opportunities. In this business it is important to be in the forefront of technology, says Kjell Johnsson, CEO at Denel Saab Aerostructures.
Investments in high speed machining
One of the biggest investments made in the plant in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, are two new high speed machines (HSM). The company’s investment in HSM is an initiative aimed at making the operation more cost efficient and competitive. The machines are 4,5m and 6,5m 5-Axis HSM Zimmermann. With completion due in the first quarter of 2008, the final stages of the high speed machining facility have been initiated.
The 4,5m and 6,5 m 5-axis HSM Zimmermann
New Fluid Cell Press is ready for production
Denel Saab Aerostructures has also invested in a new Fluid Cell Press in the Sheet Metal Shop. Recently, the Fluid Cell Press completed the final acceptance which means that production now can start. The machine will be used to produce parts for the Wing Fuselage Fairings for the Airbus military transport aircraft, A400M.
The new Fluid Cell Press at Denel Saab Aerostructures
Further upgrades in 2008
An upgrade will also be carried out in the Surface Treatment Plant. The first steps towards optimising and automate the complete Surface Treatment has been taken, but more improvements will be carried out next year.
The facility upgrades will continue next year with focus on consolidating and optimising the workflow. Besides that some new projects will be launched. These include the second phase and automation upgrade of the Surface Treatment line together with a new paint shop.
Back to CNB 5/2007