MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens Advanced Titanium Blade Plant in Belgium
Safran’s €108M Belgium facility produces 700k titanium compressor blades annually, enhancing aerospace supply chain resilience with Industry 4.0 tech.
In a significant stride toward reshaping the aerospace manufacturing landscape, Safran has inaugurated a highly advanced facility dedicated to the production of titanium compressor blades in Marchin, Belgium. This development is more than just an infrastructural milestone, it represents a strategic reinforcement of Europe’s industrial sovereignty in the aerospace sector. With a €108 million investment and a vision aligned with Industry 4.0 principles, Safran Blades is poised to become a cornerstone in the global supply chain for aircraft engine components.
Compressor blades are critical components in aircraft engines, responsible for compressing air before combustion. Their efficiency directly impacts fuel consumption, emissions, and overall engine performance. Safran’s move to localize and scale up the production of these parts underscores the growing need for supply chain resilience, particularly in the face of rising global demand and geopolitical uncertainties.
This facility is not merely a manufacturing site, it’s a symbol of industrial transformation, combining automation, digitalization, and sustainability. As the aerospace industry rebounds post-pandemic and intensifies its focus on decarbonization, Safran’s initiative offers a timely and forward-looking solution.
The new Safran Blades plant is designed to produce up to 700,000 titanium compressor blades annually by 2026, equating to one blade every 20 seconds. This scale of production is aimed at supporting the LEAP and GEnx engine programs, which power aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. The LEAP engine, developed by CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aviation—has already accumulated over 10,000 orders globally as of early 2025.
To meet such high throughput demands, the plant integrates a suite of Industry 4.0 technologies. These include robotics, automation, connected devices, AI-driven quality control systems, and massive data analytics. These tools not only ensure manufacturing precision but also reduce production costs and environmental impact. The facility has been recognized as a “Factory of the Future” by Agoria, a Belgian federation for technology companies.
The plant’s 10,000 m² footprint was constructed on a rehabilitated industrial brownfield, transforming a former steel wasteland into a modern production hub. This choice reflects Safran’s commitment to sustainable development and regional revitalization.
“Today, with Safran Blades, we are doing more than inaugurating a plant. We are ahead of the curve, both technologically, industrially and environmentally,” Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran The plant was established in collaboration with both the Walloon regional government and the Belgian federal government. Key stakeholders include Wallonie Entreprendre (28% ownership) and the Société Fédérale de Participations et d’Investissement (16%), alongside Safran Aero Boosters (56%). This public-private partnership model illustrates a shared commitment to industrial renewal and technological leadership in Europe.
Walloon government officials have emphasized the broader economic and strategic value of the project. Minister-President Adrien Dolimont announced an additional €16.3 million subsidy for an 18-month development phase, reinforcing Wallonia’s goal to become a hub for sustainable aerospace innovation. The initiative aligns with the regional WINGS program, which integrates research, industry, and innovation to prepare for the future of aviation. Eventually, the facility will employ 150 highly qualified workers, contributing to local job creation and skills development. According to Safran Blades CEO Mathieu Deladrière, the plant represents a transformation where “robotization is turned into human added value,” highlighting the synergy between automation and employment.
“Relocating the production of compressor blades to Belgium will strengthen Safran Aero Boosters’ technological expertise while securing the supply chain,” Jan Jambon, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium The global aerospace industry is undergoing a period of accelerated transformation. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, engine manufacturers are prioritizing lightweight, durable materials like titanium. Compressor blades made from titanium offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures—making them ideal for next-generation engines.
Safran’s expansion comes at a critical time. The LEAP engine, one of the most fuel-efficient turbofan engines on the market, is a key player in the aviation sector’s decarbonization efforts. Similarly, the GEnx engine, used in long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, continues to see robust demand for maintenance and replacement parts. By boosting blade production capacity, Safran is directly supporting the operational reliability of these fleets.
Moreover, the move reflects a broader trend in aerospace manufacturing: the shift toward localized, resilient supply chains. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, companies like Safran are investing in regional production to ensure continuity and control over critical components.
Safran’s new compressor blade facility in Belgium is more than a production site—it’s a strategic investment in the future of aerospace. By combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and regional partnerships, the plant sets a new benchmark for industrial excellence. It addresses key challenges in the aerospace sector, from supply chain resilience to environmental sustainability.
As commercial aviation continues to recover and evolve, facilities like Safran Blades will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of aircraft engines. The integration of digital manufacturing, public-private collaboration, and regional development creates a replicable model for other aerospace initiatives worldwide.
What are compressor blades and why are they important? What engines will use the blades produced at the new Safran plant? How many blades will the plant produce annually? What technologies are used in the Safran Blades plant?
Safran’s New Blade Manufacturing Plant: A Strategic Leap in Aerospace Innovation
Inside the Marchin Facility: Technology, Capacity, and Vision
Advanced Manufacturing at Scale
Strategic Partnerships and Regional Impact
Aligning with Global Aerospace Trends
Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future of Aerospace Manufacturing
FAQ
Compressor blades are components in aircraft engines that compress incoming air before combustion. Their efficiency directly impacts engine performance, fuel consumption, and emissions.
The blades will primarily be used in LEAP and GEnx engines, which power Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
By 2026, the plant aims to produce 700,000 titanium compressor blades per year, which equates to one blade every 20 seconds.
The facility integrates Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, AI, digital monitoring, and connected systems to ensure precision and efficiency in production.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran