MRO & Manufacturing
ATI Opens Advanced Titanium Alloy Sheet Facility in South Carolina
ATI’s new Pageland plant strengthens US aerospace supply chain with advanced titanium sheet production and 70 new jobs.
The opening of ATI Inc.’s titanium alloy sheet production facility in Pageland, South Carolina, marks a pivotal moment for American aerospace manufacturing and domestic supply chain security. This facility, which brings approximately 70 new jobs to Chesterfield County, is designed to address critical industry needs in an environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical and technical challenges. At a time when Western nations are seeking to reduce reliance on Russian and Chinese titanium, ATI’s investment bolsters both regional economic growth and national strategic interests.
Beyond job creation, the Pageland plant is a technical achievement that positions ATI as a leader in the global titanium sheet market. With long-term supply agreements secured with major aerospace manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, the new facility is poised to play a key role in supporting the United States’ aerospace and defense sectors. Its establishment also reinforces South Carolina’s status as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing, while contributing to the state’s growing aerospace cluster.
ATI Inc., formerly Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, has a storied industrial heritage stretching back to the American Revolution. The company’s present form was shaped by the 1996 merger of Teledyne and Allegheny Ludlum Corporation, combining expertise in aerospace, electronics, and specialty steel alloys. Over decades, ATI has grown into a global specialty materials company with a diverse product portfolio, including titanium and its alloys, nickel-based superalloys, stainless and specialty steels, and advanced forgings and castings.
ATI’s transformation into an aerospace and defense powerhouse has accelerated in recent years. By the first quarter of 2025, 66% of its revenue was derived from aerospace and defense contracts, a marked increase from 59% a year earlier. This strategic pivot was recognized in May 2025 when ATI was reclassified into the S&P Aerospace & Defense Index. The company’s facilities span the U.S. and international regions, with major titanium sponge plants in Oregon and Utah, and a total annual titanium capacity of 40 million pounds following significant capital investments.
ATI’s historical expertise in jet engine alloys and specialty metals is rooted in pioneering work by industry leaders like James Nisbet, whose innovations in vacuum melting and superalloy production have played a foundational role in modern aerospace applications. Today, ATI leverages this heritage to deliver advanced materials for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The Pageland plant is ATI’s most advanced titanium alloy sheet facility, encompassing 125,000 square feet and designed specifically for the production of “pack rolled sheet”, a technically challenging product that few global manufacturers can deliver. The facility is capable of producing ultra-thin titanium sheets as thin as 0.020 inches and up to 25 feet in length, meeting the highest standards for aerospace surface quality and dimensional precision.
The manufacturing process is vertically integrated, with melting, rolling, leveling, annealing, finishing, and inspection all performed on-site. This integration streamlines production, enhances quality control, and reduces lead times. The facility’s high level of automation ensures that ATI can consistently meet stringent aerospace requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Sustainability was a core consideration in the facility’s design. The plant utilizes all-electric furnaces, aligning with South Carolina’s shift toward greener energy, and features advanced water-jacketed pickle lines that result in zero air emissions and minimal wastewater discharge. In 2024, ATI achieved 81% recycled content in its metals production, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. “With our Pageland facility fully online and in production, we now offer a full complement of titanium materials, producing quality titanium sheets wider and longer than anyone in the industry.”
, Kimberly A. Fields, ATI President and CEO
The direct creation of nearly 70 jobs at the Pageland facility is only part of its broader economic impact. South Carolina’s aerospace sector offers wages averaging 40% higher than the state mean, reflecting the high-skill nature of these roles. The state’s Manufacturing wages have also seen remarkable growth, now surpassing traditional manufacturing states like Michigan, a testament to South Carolina’s successful transition from textiles to advanced industries.
Multiplier effects from aerospace investments are well documented. For example, each aerospace job at Boeing’s Charleston plant generated 2.6 additional jobs in the region within five years of its opening. While ATI’s facility is smaller in scale, similar economic benefits are expected for Chesterfield County. The project has received state support through job development credits and a $550,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant, further underlining its regional importance.
State and local officials have emphasized the facility’s alignment with South Carolina’s strengths in workforce readiness, infrastructure, and business climate. The plant’s location in the Lynches River Industrial Park provides strategic access to transportation and utilities, supporting efficient operations and future growth.
The Pageland facility is central to ATI’s long-term market strategy, underpinned by multi-year supply agreements with leading aerospace manufacturers. Notably, ATI has extended and expanded its titanium products agreement with Boeing, covering a comprehensive range of titanium materials for all major Commercial-Aircraft programs. This agreement also supports Boeing’s subsidiaries, including Spirit AeroSystems, and includes titanium alloy sheet produced at Pageland.
ATI has also secured a multi-year agreement with Airbus for titanium plate, sheet, and billet, with Pageland serving as the dedicated source for sheet products. These Contracts provide ATI with stable revenue streams and balanced exposure to global aerospace markets, while reducing reliance on any single customer or region.
These agreements are timely, given the robust aircraft production pipelines at Boeing and Airbus, both of which maintain combined backlogs exceeding 10,000 aircraft. The demand for titanium alloy sheet is particularly acute, as it is essential for the strength, durability, and weight reduction required in modern airframe design.
“This agreement reaffirms ATI’s leadership in titanium at a time of accelerating aerospace production and growing demand for differentiated materials.”
, Kimberly Fields, ATI CEO, on the Boeing agreement ATI’s investment builds upon South Carolina’s emergence as a national aerospace leader. The state’s aerospace cluster contributes an estimated $38.3 billion annually to the economy and supports over 143,000 jobs. Since 2019, aerospace employment in South Carolina has grown by 21.7%, outpacing all other states, and wage growth in the sector leads the nation.
Boeing’s decision to locate its 787 Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston in 2009 catalyzed the state’s aerospace expansion. Between 2010 and 2021, South Carolina added approximately 6,000 aerospace jobs, exceeding initial projections. The ecosystem now includes over 400 private sector firms, major defense manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, and a robust network of suppliers and service providers.
Workforce development and educational partnerships are integral to sustaining this growth, ensuring a pipeline of skilled labor for advanced manufacturing. ATI’s Pageland plant fills a critical gap in the supply chain, adding specialized titanium sheet capabilities to the state’s aerospace portfolio.
The Pageland facility’s significance is amplified by global titanium market trends and supply chain security concerns. China and Russia dominate the world’s titanium supply, with China controlling 67% of global titanium sponge production and Russia being a major exporter. Recent geopolitical tensions and potential export restrictions have underscored the vulnerability of Western aerospace manufacturers to supply disruptions.
The global titanium alloy market is projected to grow from $5 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2031, driven by increasing aircraft production and the development of next-generation airframes. Aerospace applications account for nearly 40% of titanium alloy demand, with North America leading the market due to its advanced manufacturing base and defense spending.
Western nations are accelerating efforts to secure domestic titanium supply chains, providing opportunities for companies like ATI. The Pageland plant’s ability to produce technically challenging titanium alloy sheets domestically reduces reliance on foreign sources and supports national security objectives.
The technical complexity of producing pack rolled titanium sheet gives ATI a competitive edge. The Pageland facility’s advanced automation, vertical integration, and stringent quality controls set new industry standards for efficiency and product consistency. These capabilities are essential for meeting the demanding requirements of aerospace customers.
Sustainability is also a key differentiator. With all-electric furnaces, water-efficient processing, and high recycled content, the facility demonstrates how advanced manufacturing can achieve both operational excellence and environmental responsibility. These initiatives align with broader industry trends toward greener supply chains and circular economy practices. ATI’s broader technological capabilities, including research into additive manufacturing, position the company to capitalize on future innovations in titanium processing and aerospace design. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures it remains at the forefront of specialty materials manufacturing.
ATI’s Pageland titanium alloy sheet facility is a strategically significant investment that advances American aerospace manufacturing, strengthens domestic supply chains, and supports South Carolina’s economic development. The plant’s technical achievements, environmental performance, and long-term customer agreements position ATI as a global leader in titanium sheet production.
As global aerospace production accelerates and supply chain security becomes increasingly critical, ATI’s investment in South Carolina provides a model for how advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and economic development can align to deliver lasting benefits. The Pageland facility not only addresses immediate industry needs but also sets the stage for future growth, innovation, and resilience in the U.S. aerospace sector.
What products does the ATI Pageland facility manufacture? How many jobs has the Pageland plant created? Why is domestic titanium production important? How does the facility address sustainability? Who are ATI’s main aerospace customers? Sources:
ATI’s Strategic Expansion into Titanium Alloy Sheet Production: Strengthening America’s Aerospace Supply Chain Through South Carolina Investment
Company Background and Strategic Positioning
The Pageland Facility: Technical Specifications and Operations
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Strategic Market Positioning and Long-term Agreements
South Carolina’s Aerospace Industry Ecosystem
Global Titanium Market Dynamics and Supply Chain Security
Technological Innovation and Sustainability
Conclusion
FAQ
The facility specializes in producing ultra-thin, high-quality titanium alloy sheets for aerospace and defense applications, with capabilities for sheets as thin as 0.020 inches and up to 25 feet in length.
The plant has created approximately 70 new jobs in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, with additional regional economic benefits expected through supply chain and multiplier effects.
Domestic production reduces reliance on foreign sources, particularly from China and Russia, and strengthens supply chain security for critical aerospace and defense applications.
The Pageland plant uses all-electric furnaces, efficient water-jacketed pickle lines, and achieves zero air emissions and minimal wastewater discharge. ATI’s overall metals production reached 81% recycled content in 2024.
ATI has secured long-term supply agreements with Boeing and Airbus, supporting a wide range of commercial and defense aircraft programs.
Columbia Business Report,
ATI Inc,
ATI Materials,
Wikipedia: ATI Inc.
Photo Credit: ATI – Montage
MRO & Manufacturing
Mecadaq Group Acquires Echeverria and Lopez to Expand Aerospace Capabilities
Mecadaq Group acquires Echeverria and Lopez in France to diversify aerospace supply chain services and target €150M revenue by 2030.
This article is based on an official press release from Mecadaq Group.
Mecadaq Group, a specialist in high-precision aerospace manufacturing with operations in France and the United States, has announced the acquisitions of two strategic companies: Echeverria and Lopez. The announcement, made on January 21, 2026, marks the first major expansion for the group since the investment firm CAPZA became its majority shareholder in July 2025.
According to the company’s statement, these acquisitions are part of an aggressive “buy-and-build” strategy designed to consolidate the fragmented aerospace supply chain. By integrating these new entities, Mecadaq aims to diversify its capabilities beyond airframe manufacturing into interiors and engine maintenance. The group has set a financial target to achieve over €150 million in annual revenue by 2030.
The two acquired companies bring distinct specializations that broaden Mecadaq’s service portfolio and strengthen its local footprint in southwest France.
Located in Hendaye, France, Echeverria specializes in the precision machining and assembly of complex components for aircraft seats and cabins. This acquisition opens a new vertical for Mecadaq in the “Interiors” market. The company notes that Echeverria is a key supplier for Airbus Atlantic, providing structures for pilot seats and cabin frameworks.
The second acquisition, Lopez, is based in Tarnos, France, near Mecadaq’s headquarters. Lopez focuses on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for helicopter engines. Their capabilities include grinding, lapping, hydraulic testing, and compliance restoration for critical parts. According to Mecadaq, this move establishes a dedicated division for engine maintenance and reinforces the group’s relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines, a long-standing partner of Lopez.
This expansion is fueled by Mecadaq’s new financial structure following the entry of CAPZA as the majority shareholder in mid-2025. The investment firm’s Flex Equity strategy replaced the previous backer, Activa Capital. Additionally, Mecadaq President Julien Dubecq and his management team have reinvested in the transaction, signaling a long-term commitment to the group’s growth.
“The aerospace supply chain remains highly fragmented. Mecadaq’s strategy is to act as a consolidator, acquiring smaller, specialized firms to increase ‘share of wallet’ with major OEMs.”
, Summary of Mecadaq Group Strategy
The group’s ambition is to triple its size relative to its 2018-2020 baseline. To reach the €150 million revenue target by 2030, Mecadaq plans to pursue a mix of organic growth and further acquisitions across Europe and the United States.
The acquisition of Echeverria and Lopez highlights a critical trend in the aerospace sector: the consolidation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. As major OEMs like Airbus and Boeing ramp up production rates, smaller suppliers often face pressure to scale operations and maintain financial resilience. By absorbing specialized firms, mid-sized groups like Mecadaq can offer a more robust, multi-service value proposition,ranging from manufacturing to maintenance,thereby securing their positions as critical partners in the global supply chain.
Headquartered in Tarnos, France, Mecadaq Group employs approximately 350 people (prior to these recent acquisitions). The company specializes in high-precision machining, including turning, milling, and gear shaping, for the aerospace and defense sectors.
Mecadaq operates a transatlantic model to serve major industrial hubs:
The company’s client roster includes major industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Safran, Thales, and Spirit AeroSystems. Mecadaq produces parts for key commercial programs like the A320, B737, A350, and B787, as well as the Rafale defense program.
Mecadaq Group Acquires Echeverria and Lopez to Accelerate Aerospace Supply Chain Consolidation
Strategic Acquisitions: Echeverria and Lopez
Echeverria: Expanding into Interiors
Lopez: Establishing an MRO Division
Financial Backing and Long-Term Strategy
AirPro News Analysis
Company Profile and Global Footprint
Sources
Photo Credit: Mecadaq Group
MRO & Manufacturing
Deutsche Aircraft Chooses Comtronic for D328eco Overhead Panels
Deutsche Aircraft selects Comtronic GmbH to supply advanced overhead panels for the D328eco cockpit, targeting entry into service in late 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.
Deutsche Aircraft has officially announced the selection of Comtronic GmbH to supply the complete overhead panel for the D328eco cockpit. According to the company’s press release, this partnership marks a significant step in the development of the 40-seat regional turboprop, ensuring that the flight deck meets modern ergonomic and technical standards.
The agreement tasks Comtronic, a subsidiary of the French industrial group MAFELEC Team, with delivering a “turnkey” solution. This includes the design and manufacturing of illuminated panels, sub-panels, and custom control units tailored specifically for the D328eco’s avionics suite. The selection underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s focus on securing a robust, regional supply chain for its flagship program, which targets entry into service in late 2027.
Under the terms of the agreement, Comtronic GmbH will provide a comprehensive suite of cockpit interface solutions. Based in Schönau, Germany, the supplier brings nearly 50 years of aerospace experience to the project. The scope of supply involves advanced optical and photometric engineering designed to ensure uniform illumination and anti-glare performance, critical factors for pilot situational awareness.
The overhead panel is a vital component of the cockpit, housing controls for essential systems such as fuel, electrical power, and bleed air. Deutsche Aircraft notes that the new panels will be optimized for both day and night readability, integrating Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility where necessary.
Gilles Heinrich, President of the MAFELEC Team, commented on the collaboration in the official release:
“This contract reflects the strong alignment between our organizations and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable solutions for the aerospace industry.” The components will undergo rigorous qualification testing to meet aerospace standards, including RTCA/DO-160 and MIL-STD requirements, ensuring they can withstand the vibration and temperature extremes inherent in regional flight operations.
The D328eco is an advanced modernization of the legacy Dornier 328 platform. While it retains the proven aerodynamic characteristics of its predecessor, the new aircraft features a fuselage stretched by approximately two meters to accommodate 40 passengers. A key element of this modernization is the transition to a fully digital glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. Comtronic’s contribution is essential to this digital transition. While the avionics suite handles flight data and navigation, the overhead panel remains the physical interface for systems management. By integrating modern “Human-Machine Interface” (HMI) technology, the new panel is designed to reduce pilot cognitive load. This aligns with the aircraft’s broader operational goals, which include future single-pilot capability, although initial certification is planned for two pilots.
Strategic Supply Chain Localization Bridging Legacy and Digital The D328eco is engineered to be a leader in sustainability for the regional sector. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT-S engines, the aircraft is designed to operate on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The efficiency of these engines, combined with the advanced cockpit systems, aims to lower operating costs and emissions compared to older regional jets and turboprops.
Comtronic’s panels contribute to this ecosystem by adhering to strict weight and power consumption standards, which are critical for maximizing the efficiency of the aircraft. The supplier’s ability to deliver NVIS-compatible lighting also suggests that Deutsche Aircraft is positioning the D328eco for versatility, potentially serving in special mission roles (such as search and rescue) in addition to commercial passenger transport.
What is the D328eco? Who is Comtronic GmbH? When will the D328eco enter service? Why is the overhead panel important?
Deutsche Aircraft Selects Comtronic GmbH for D328eco Overhead Panels
Scope of the Partnership
Modernizing the D328 Platform
AirPro News Analysis
The selection of Comtronic GmbH highlights a strategic move by Deutsche Aircraft to insulate the D328eco program from global supply-chain volatility. By choosing a German supplier located in Schönau, the manufacturer shortens logistics chains and ensures closer engineering collaboration. In an era where aerospace production is frequently bottlenecked by parts shortages, relying on established regional partners like Comtronic, backed by the larger MAFELEC Team, reduces risk for the 2027 delivery timeline.
Integrating a physical overhead panel with a digital Garmin G5000 suite represents a specific engineering challenge: blending tactile reliability with digital sophistication. We observe that this partnership emphasizes the industry’s focus on “tactile ergonomics.” Even in glass cockpits, pilots rely on physical switches for critical systems to build muscle memory. Comtronic’s expertise in high-uniformity lighting ensures that these physical controls remain distinct and readable, preventing mode confusion during complex operations.
Technical Specifications and Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
The D328eco is a 40-seat regional turboprop developed by Deutsche Aircraft. It is a modernized, sustainable version of the Dornier 328, featuring new engines, a stretched fuselage, and a digital cockpit.
Comtronic GmbH is a German aerospace supplier based in Schönau and a member of the French MAFELEC Team. They specialize in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, including illuminated panels and control units.
Deutsche Aircraft targets late 2027 for the D328eco’s entry into service (EIS).
The overhead panel contains physical controls for critical aircraft systems like fuel, hydraulics, and power. Its design impacts pilot workload, safety, and ease of operation, particularly in low-light or high-stress conditions.
Sources
Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft
MRO & Manufacturing
Jamco Acquires Schüschke to Expand Airbus Market Presence
Jamco Corporation acquires German firm Schüschke to diversify from Boeing and strengthen its Airbus supply chain position by February 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Jamco Corporation.
On January 19, 2026, Jamco Corporation, a leading Japanese aircraft interiors manufacturer, announced its Acquisitions of Schüschke GmbH & Co. KG, a German specialist in solid-surface washbasins and lavatory components. The transaction, expected to close in February 2026, marks a significant strategic pivot for Jamco as it seeks to diversify its customer base beyond its traditional stronghold with Boeing.
According to the official announcement, the acquisition facilitates Jamco’s expansion into the Airbus supply chain, where Schüschke holds a dominant position. The deal is the latest in a series of aggressive moves by Jamco’s parent company, Bain Capital, which took the Japanese manufacturer private in 2025. By integrating Schüschke’s specialized manufacturing capabilities, Jamco aims to solidify its status as a global platform for cabin interiors.
The acquisition sees the exit of Silver Investment Partners (SIP), which has held Schüschke since 2015. While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal involves high-profile advisory teams, including Seabury Securities and CMS for Jamco, and Steen Associates for the sellers.
The primary driver behind this acquisition appears to be the immediate diversification of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) exposure. Jamco has historically been deeply aligned with Boeing, currently holding status as the sole supplier of lavatories for all Boeing wide-body aircraft, including the 787, 777, and 777X programs. Industry data indicates Jamco holds approximately 50% of the global market share in lavatories and 40% in galleys.
In contrast, Schüschke is heavily integrated into the Airbus ecosystem. The German manufacturer supplies washbasins and interior components for the A320, A330, A350, and A380 families. According to the transaction report, Schüschke commands an 83% market share in new-build programs for Airbus. By acquiring Schüschke, Jamco instantly reduces its reliance on Boeing’s production cycles and gains a foothold in the high-volume Airbus narrow-body market.
Beyond market access, the deal centers on material science. Schüschke is the proprietor of Varicor®, a solid-surface material prized for being lightweight, fire-retardant, and highly customizable. Integrating this technology into Jamco’s broader product portfolio allows for the development of lighter, more durable lavatory and galley solutions, a critical requirement for Airlines focused on reducing fuel burn and maintenance costs.
This transaction highlights the rapid consolidation strategy employed by Bain Capital since it acquired Jamco in mid-2025. The private equity firm appears to be building a comprehensive “super-supplier” in the interiors sector capable of weathering Supply-Chain volatility while meeting the ramping production rates of major airframers. The Schüschke deal represents the third major acquisition for the platform in just six months:
This pattern suggests a deliberate effort to aggregate specialized Tier-2 suppliers into a robust Tier-1 entity with global reach and a diversified product catalog.
The consolidation of the aerospace supply chain is accelerating, driven by the need for resilience. For decades, the interiors market was fragmented, with numerous “Hidden Champions” like Schüschke dominating specific niches. However, the post-pandemic ramp-up has exposed the fragility of smaller suppliers. By rolling these companies up under the Jamco umbrella, Bain Capital is creating an entity with the balance sheet and operational scale to guarantee delivery to Airbus and Boeing.
Furthermore, the “premiumization” of air travel is driving demand for bespoke interiors. Schüschke’s reputation for high-finish, customizable washbasins aligns perfectly with Jamco’s push into premium business class seating. We anticipate that Jamco will leverage Schüschke’s design capabilities to offer more cohesive, high-end lavatory and galley packages to premium carriers, potentially bundling these with their “Venture” line of business class seats.
The complexity of cross-border M&A in the aerospace sector requires significant legal and financial oversight. The following advisors were listed in the transaction details:
When will the deal close? What is Schüschke’s main product? Who owned Schüschke previously? Does this affect Jamco’s relationship with Boeing?
Jamco Corporation Acquires Schüschke to Balance Boeing–Airbus Portfolio
Strategic Rationale: Bridging the OEM Divide
Technology and Product Synergies
Bain Capital’s “Buy-and-Build” Strategy
AirPro News Analysis
Transaction Advisors
Frequently Asked Questions
The transaction is expected to close in February 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Schüschke specializes in washbasins and lavatory fittings made from Varicor®, a proprietary solid-surface material known for its durability and lightweight properties.
The company was owned by Silver Investment Partners (SIP), an independent equity finance investor, which acquired the firm in December 2015.
There is no indication that this negatively impacts Jamco’s standing with Boeing. Rather, it balances the company’s portfolio, reducing risk by ensuring strong revenue streams from both major airframers.
Sources
Photo Credit: Jamco
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