Safran has announced it will build a new aircraft carbon brake production facility at the Plaine de l’Ain Industrial Park (PIPA) near Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The plant, scheduled to begin operations in 2030, is expected to boost Safran’s carbon brake production capacity by 25% by 2037.
The new 30,000 m² (323,000 ft²) facility represents an investment of over €450 million and will operate alongside Safran Landing Systems’ existing carbon brake sites in Villeurbanne (France), Walton (USA) and Sendayan (Malaysia). Initially employing around 100 highly skilled staff, the workforce is set to double as the plant reaches full capacity.
The facility will feature state-of-the-art automated manufacturing systems and was strategically located to ensure long-term access to competitively priced, low-carbon electricity — a critical factor given that energy costs represent up to 30% of carbon brake production expenses.
Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andriès said: “With this new facility, we’re strengthening our global leadership in carbon brakes and ensuring our ability to support our customers, against a backdrop of strong air traffic growth.” He acknowledged the support of the French government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional authority, EDF and grid operator RTE in securing the site.
Designed with environmental sustainability in mind, the plant will aim for zero emissions, utilising biomethane and low-carbon electricity while cutting energy and gas consumption by 30% and water use by 80%. Heat generated from the production process will be recovered and fed into a local heating network. Some of these advanced technologies will also be applied across Safran’s other facilities to enhance sustainability and competitiveness globally.
