AEROSPACE
(15.70% OF GROUP TURNOVER)
BMT Aerospace International nv - Oostkamp
The Belgian Aerospace subdivision also during 2009 has been able to increase its sales and is now delivering products to all of the major aircraft builders. Since most of the new aircraft programs are struggling with delays, this results in a financial burden on these new programs.
Within the market segment of commercial aircrafts (130-500 passengers), the volumes delivered during 2009 were higher compared to 2008. Forecasts for 2010 predict a status quo in numbers and a strong increase starting 2011.
Important events during 2009 were the contract signature in March of the Airbus A350XWB slat actuation systems and the first flight of the Boeing B787 in December. For the coming years, further built rate increases were announced by both the aircraft manufacturers and the engine builders for almost all aircraft programs.
Our Flexible Machining System (FMS) is now completely operational to produce complex prismatic parts, with consistent quality as well as in a cost efficient way. During 2010 an automated shot peening installation will be added and this will also offer a better efficiency.
Besides the customer approvals, the EN 9100:2003 and AS9100 certifications as well as NADCAP approvals for all special processes, BMT Aerospace Int’l and Eurair are holding an EASA Form 1 approval according PART21, Sect.A, Subpart G.
Eurair nv is since 1984 shareholder and industrial partner of the Belairbus consortium.
BMT Aerospace – USA & Romania
The North American aerospace subdivision coupled with the assistance of its sister plant in Romania, achieved record sales performance in 2009 of $27.6 Million in turnover.
Additionally, BMT Aerospace North America’s total order book increased to $132 Million (USD) realizing an 80% increase over the previous book of $73 Million attained in 2008.
BMT Aerospace USA fully launched into the turbine engine gearbox market segment, landing long term orders with Rolls-Royce on the AE2100 commercial engine and General Electric’s F-110 military engine programs. The Rolls-Royce award, consisting of three different accessory gearbox assemblies is valued at $20 Million(USD). The USA site will manufacture, assemble and perform dynamic acceptance testing on the gearbox assemblies at its Michigan facility. The division has fully integrated itself into the turbine engine market as a viable alternative to the traditional detail gearing and gearbox supply base located throughout North America andWestern Europe. During 2009 (UTC) Sikorsky Aircraft launched a third, multi year, long term agreement for $5.7 Million (USD) for spare parts on the CH-53E Military heavy lift helicopter.
Capital investments in 2009 included a second state of the art CNC Kapp gear grinding machine installed in the US facility helping to attribute to the division’s long term core business growth in complex engine and helicopter gearing A second state of the art Gildemeister turning center has been added in Romania adding depth to their manufacturing ability.
The sales forecast for 2010 is projected to be flat. Romanian aerospace operation is expected to start ramping up in the fourth quarter of 2010 based on new business won in 2009. The BMT Aerospace North American and Romania operations continue to diversify their customer base, including market segments and the complexity of the geared products offered. Superior manufacturing technologies, diverse product breadth, including a strong cohesive management team have helped guide the company to become the new solutions provider of lower cost and complex aerospace engine and helicopter drive system gearing around the globe.
