Safran Invests €150M in Hydraulic Press to Boost Aircraft Engine Production

This article is based on an official press release from Safran Aircraft Engines.

On April 13, 2026, Safran Aircraft Engines announced a €150 million investment to acquire a 30,000-metric-ton hydraulic press for its historic Gennevilliers facility near Paris. According to the company’s press release, this major infrastructure upgrade is designed to manufacture strategic forged parts for both commercial and military aircraft engines, addressing critical production needs across the aerospace sector.

The new equipment is projected to be operational by 2029 and will create 130 new jobs starting in 2026. Safran states that at full production rate, the press will be capable of producing 14,000 parts per year. This capacity increase is expected to help the Gennevilliers site nearly double its overall production volume by 2035 across all engine families.

By bringing this high-tonnage capability in-house, Safran reinforces its position as the only aircraft engine manufacturer globally with fully integrated forging capabilities, a strategic advantage highlighted in the company’s official announcement.

Strengthening the Aerospace Supply Chain

Addressing Global Bottlenecks

The aerospace forging and casting market relies heavily on a limited number of specialized suppliers capable of producing flight-critical components. Industry research indicates that post-pandemic supply chain constraints in this specific sector have historically slowed aircraft deliveries and complicated production ramp-ups for major airframers. By internalizing a 30,000-ton press, Safran is actively reducing its vulnerability to third-party disruptions.

The company noted in its release that this project rounds out recent investments made in Rennes and Le Creusot, which were also aimed at developing the domestic supply chain in France and ensuring industrial resilience.

“This project will strengthen our unique expertise in forging processes and contribute to our industrial and technological sovereignty,” stated Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, in the company’s press release.

Commercial and Military Engine Ramp-Up

Powering the Next Generation of Commercial Flight

The Gennevilliers expansion will directly support the production ramp-up of the CFM International LEAP engine, which powers next-generation narrowbody airliners such as the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families. CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. The new press will also manufacture large parts for high-thrust GE Aerospace engines, including the GE90 used on the Boeing 777.

According to supplementary industry data, CFM has been aggressively boosting production to meet surging demand, targeting a 15% to 20% increase in output in 2025 alone, aiming for over 1,600 engines. The new hydraulic press is cited as a critical component in sustaining this long-term volume.

Bolstering Defense Capabilities

On the defense side, the investment will secure the supply of components for military engines used in the Dassault Rafale (M88), Dassault Mirage, and Airbus A400M Atlas. Industry reports show that Safran is sharply increasing its output of military aircraft engines, with M88 production expected to reach 108 units in 2026, up from 71 units the previous year. The Gennevilliers upgrade ensures the structural integrity and consistent supply of these critical defense assets.

Modernizing a Historic Facility

Industry 4.0 and Environmental Considerations

Located approximately 15 kilometers from Paris, the Gennevilliers plant spans 15 hectares and employs nearly 1,500 people. The site boasts a 120-year history, with a dedicated forge and foundry subsidiary established there in 1917.

To modernize this historic footprint, Safran’s press release details that the new facility will incorporate cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies. This includes advanced sensors and connected digital systems to ensure precise, real-time monitoring of the metallurgical processes. Furthermore, the company has specifically designed the new installation to minimize its noise footprint, addressing local environmental concerns traditionally associated with high-tonnage forging.

AirPro News analysis

We view Safran’s €150 million investment as a highly strategic maneuver that serves a dual-use function. By deploying capital into a massive 30,000-ton press, Safran is effectively insulating itself from the severe supply chain shocks that have plagued the aerospace sector since 2020. Furthermore, the investment perfectly straddles two booming markets: the commercial travel sector, driven by massive backlogs for the A320neo and 737 MAX, and the defense sector, which is seeing heightened demand due to shifting geopolitical realities in Europe. This move not only secures Safran’s production lines but also aligns tightly with broader European initiatives to mandate domestic defense supply chain sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the total investment Safran is making at the Gennevilliers site?

According to the company’s press release, Safran Aircraft Engines is investing €150 million to acquire and install a 30,000-metric-ton hydraulic press.

When will the new forging press be operational?

The new press is scheduled to be fully operational by 2029, with the creation of 130 new jobs beginning in 2026.

Which aircraft engines will benefit from this new equipment?

The press will manufacture parts for commercial aircraft engines like the CFM LEAP (Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX) and the GE90 (Boeing 777), as well as military engines for the Rafale, Mirage, and A400M.

Sources:
Safran Aircraft Engines Press Release (April 13, 2026)