en.Wedoany.com Reported - French group Safran is investing $175 million to build a 33,000-ton hydraulic press, scheduled to become operational in 2029. This equipment aims to address the shortage of high-quality forgings for aircraft engines and is expected to produce 14,000 precision forgings annually for critical components of next-generation commercial and military engines. However, the multi-year delivery timeline highlights the current tightness in the aerospace industry's supply chain.
Insufficient forging capacity has become a major bottleneck in aero-engine manufacturing. Since the pandemic, demand for new aircraft has rebounded rapidly, but the forging industry has struggled to keep pace, impacting engine deliveries. For Boeing, these supply chain delays exacerbate its production challenges, particularly in stabilizing 737 MAX deliveries. Boeing relies on external suppliers for engine components, and the shortage of forgings directly limits the number of engines available for new aircraft.
The new hydraulic press will support narrow-body and wide-body engine programs, including the CFM International LEAP engines for the Boeing 737 MAX and high-thrust engines for the 777 family. Balancing these demands adds complexity to production. Safran plans to create 130 new jobs starting in 2026 and integrate digital technologies into the press to enhance manufacturing precision.
This investment also reflects efforts to strengthen the resilience of European industrial supply chains. For Boeing, the introduction of new capacity offers a path to address engine supply chain issues, but the lengthy delivery cycle means limited short-term relief. Boeing must continue to manage production schedules, navigate component availability constraints, and adapt to the slowly evolving landscape of industrial capacity.
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