ABU DHABI: The construction of the Abu Dhabi Composites plant will start within two weeks, said Mubadala Development Co. (Mubadala), the investment arm of Abu Dhabi. It added that the plant would be operational by next year.
The plant, which will be called Strata and is the first of its kind in the region, will manufacture advanced composite aerostructures, including flap track fairings, ailerons, spoilers and assemblies for Airbus aircraft and the empennage for the ATR Regional Aircraft (ATR is a joint venture between EADS and Finmeccanica).
The development of an international aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi is a key element of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Mubadala is bringing together existing aerospace assets and forming industrial partnerships to build a high-technology and knowledge-intensive aerospace industry for Abu Dhabi.
The construction of phase one — a state-of-the-art 21,600-meter facility — will commence on June 29 with the manufacturing of advanced composite aerostructures beginning in fourth quarter of 2010.
Subsequent phases of expansion are planned to provide a total facility in excess of 60,000 meter over the next few years. Strata has formed industrial partnerships with leading aerospace companies EADS, Airbus, FACC and Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) through which composite aerostructure manufacturing programs will be established in the new plant.
Initial contracts with these partners, carrying a total value in excess of $2 billion, have already been finalized.
The facility will initially focus on manufacturing composite components and assemblies, but in conjunction with its partners. Strata will progressively build capabilities that include engineering, design, and research and development.