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[January 2009]
HITCO Enters Long-Term Strategic Agreement with Denel Saab
HITCO Carbon Composites Inc, the Los Angeles based subsidiary of SGL Group, has just announced that it has entered into a long-term strategic agreement with Denel Saab Aerostructures Ltd, a subsidiary of South African and Swedish aerospace manufacturers, to collaborate in composite components manufacturing for the Embraer C-390 Military Transport Aircraft. Denel Saab and HITCO intend to produce composite components, such as the Aft Fuselage, ensuring that the aircraft meets established performance goals within aircraft weight targets. Enhanced, automated manufacturing solutions will be offered by these two companies to maximise customer value and affordability.
In announcing this agreement, Peter Hoffman, President of HITCO Carbon Composites, said: “HITCO took delivery of its Viper® 6000 Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine in October 2008 from Cincinnati MAG. This AFP equipment complements our existing Automated Tape Laying (ATL) capacity that will provide commercial and military customers automated solutions to the growing composite needs for major aerostructure components. We will utilise our AFP equipment for fabricating the complex composite Aft Fuselage II work package.
“Together, HITCO and Denel Saab will offer ‘Best Value’ because of our unique combination of attributes including: time to market, schedule adherence, quality and reduced risk.”
Lana Kinley, CEO of Denel Saab Aerostructures, also commented: “We at Denel Saab are pleased to have HITCO on board offering advanced manufacturing solutions for the Embraer C-390 program. Like them, we have invested in major plant upgrades and capital equipment. By entering into this relationship, we offer a great value-add to our customers”.
ENDS