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Gov. Bevin joins groundbreaking on $100m expansion of Safran Landing Systems in Walton


Gov. Matt Bevin joined local officials and executives from aircraft wheel and brake components maker Safran Landing Systems to break ground on a $100 million-plus expansion in Walton expected to create about 80 jobs.

“Safran is one of the world’s leading aerospace companies. Their decision to invest in Kentucky further elevates the Commonwealth as the manufacturing hub of excellence in America,” Gov. Bevin said. “We make great products here in Kentucky and we are grateful to Safran Landing Systems and its executives for their tremendous vote of confidence.”

Gov. Matt Bevin said it is an honor for Kentucky to be partnered with Safran. Wednesday the aerospace company announced a $100 million expansion at its facility in Walton that is expected to add 80 jobs (photo by Mark Hansel).

Gov. Matt Bevin said it is an honor for Kentucky to be partnered with Safran. Wednesday the aerospace company announced a $100 million expansion at its facility in Walton that is expected to add 80 jobs (photo by Mark Hansel).

Safran Landing Systems, formerly Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, will add to its existing Walton facility to increase production capacity for carbon brakes to meet expected airline demand. Company executives expect construction to finish by the end of 2017.

“As the world leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, it is imperative that we be able to keep up with the increasing carbon brake demand from our North American clients. This expansion will help us do that by significantly increasing production capacity,” said Safran Landing Systems CEO Vincent Mascré. “We have enjoyed great success at our Walton plant over the last 17 years and are grateful for the state and region’s support and their commitment to the manufacturing industry.”

The Walton plant’s clientele includes Delta, Spirit Airlines and Air Canada among other North American airlines. A variety of commercial and military aircraft models use its carbon brakes. In addition to the Walton facility, Safran Landing Systems operates carbon production plants in Villeurbanne, France and Sendayan, Malaysia.

When the $31 million facility opened in 2000, 61 people were employed there. Today, 320 people work at the Walton plant and Safran has invested more than $300 million in the facility.

“When we first built this facility 17 years ago, we knew there would be opportunity for growth, but as we stand here today, breaking ground on our fifth major expansion – the largest yet – we can see clearly just how great that opportunity has been. ” Mascré said. “Lighter, more efficient, and more environmentally-sound, the demand for carbon braking systems for commercial and military aircraft has grown exponentially. And Safran’s facility here has continued to grow – and must continue to grow – to keep up with that demand.”

Safran Landing Systems CEO Vincent Mascré at latest (4th) expansion at their Walton facility

Safran Landing Systems CEO Vincent Mascré at latest expansion at their Walton facility (provided photo).

Exports of Kentucky’s aerospace products and parts increased by 21.8 percent during the first seven months of 2016 compared to the same months in 2015. That strong growth helped the category easily hold the No. 1 export spot in the state. Companies in Kentucky exported more than $6 billion in aerospace parts and products, representing 36 percent of the state’s overall $16.88 billion exports through July.

“With Kentucky’s leading export being aerospace and seeing that a large part of it does come out of Safran Landing Systems here in Northern Kentucky is quite gratifying to us,” said Dan Tobergte, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED.

Safran Landing Systems was the first company to introduce carbon brakes on commercial aircraft in 1986, which are now the benchmark in high-performance braking. Offering energy absorption capacity two-to-three times greater than steel brakes, and reduced operating costs, carbon brakes deliver proven technological, economic and environmental advantages to airlines.

The company’s worldwide capabilities encompass the full product life cycle of aircraft landing and braking systems. That includes design, manufacturing, in-service support, repair and overhaul. The company is a partner to 30 commercial, military, business and regional aircraft manufacturers, and supports more than 25,000 aircraft. The company has more than 7,000 employees at locations in Europe, North America and Asia.

Rain forced Wednesday's groundbreaking to take place inside a tent set up for the event, but didn't dampen the enthusiasm of Gov. Matt Bevin and others in attendance (photo by Mark Hansel).

Rain forced Wednesday’s groundbreaking to take place inside a tent set up for the event, but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance (photo by Mark Hansel).

Its corporate parent, French tech giant Safran, employs 70,000 people worldwide in three core businesses; of aerospace, defense, and security.

“Safran Landing Systems has been an essential part of the business community in Walton for a number of years,” said Sen. John Schickel of Union. “Their success can be measured in their numerous expansions and investments in our area since 1999, and this most recent investment reinforces this company’s importance to our regional economy.”

Rep. Sal Santoro, of Florence, noted the company’s impact on the region and state:
“The Safran Landing Systems groundbreaking is a special day for our region. Kentucky continues to lead the way in aerospace exports, and this company’s investment in our state will help us to continue that momentum.”

Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore said, “We are proud to be one of three worldwide production locations for Safran’s carbon brakes, which truly highlights the strength of advanced manufacturing in our region.”

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To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) at its January 28 meeting preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $2.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program based on the company’s investment of up to $150.3 million and creation of up to 84 jobs. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

Also at its January meeting, KEDFA preliminarily approved Safran Landing Systems for up to $1 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

In addition, the company can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives.

Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Safran Landing Systems, visit www.safran-landing-systems.com.

From Governor’s Office Communications


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