On 21 September 2,500 guests celebrated the opening of the new FACC plant in St. Martin im Innkreis. All the employees in Innviertel as well as their friends and relatives were invited. It is the fifth FACC plant in Upper Austria. The new plant is a manifestation of the company’s clear commitment to Upper Austria and FACC thus underscores its role as one of the most region’s important employers. FACC has created a total of around 200 new workplaces in Upper Austria in the past six months.
This enjoyable event was the occasion for the company’s atmospheric employee party. Starting at 4 pm, the partygoers had ample time to tour the new Technology Center and the Test Center. After being welcomed by the Chairman of the Board and company founder Walter A. Stephan, guests were treated to an extensive show programme throughout the cosy evening. Extravagant choreographies alternating with live music and laser shows ensured a very special ambience. Wiener schnitzel, Bratwürstel, veggie wraps and spring rolls rounded out the evening with culinary elements.
A children’s programme also promoted employees bringing the whole family to the party. While the adults toured the halls, the children could enjoy themselves in the bouncy castle, children’s bungee jumping and the face painting station.
Technology Center and Test Center
The new FACC Plant 5 in St. Martin im Innkreis consists of elements of the Technology Center and the Test Center. The R&D department as well as the development departments of the Aerostructure, Engines & Nacelles and Interiors divisions are brought together at the new site. The 500 employees at this location are an important hub for the company’s development activities. In this way FACC secures and expands its position as the technological leader in the field of composites for the international aviation industry.
The new workplaces are also an important stimulus for the economic and research location of Upper Austria. “We are very proud of having once again created more than 200 new workplaces for the people in our region in the past few months,” Robert Machtlinger, member of the FACC board, is delighted with the positive developments. The new Plant 5 was erected in the immediate vicinity of the existing Plants 2 and 3. In the future the new site will be home to the research of new materials and the development of new methods, technologies and production processes. The innovative test centre offers state-of-the-art analysis and testing facilities, which are custom tailored to the materials and processes used by FACC.
Construction costs for the new plant are around 22 million euros and part of the extensive FACC investment programme. The company is investing 54 million euros in its research and development work in the framework of this programme.
About FACC
FACC AG is one of the world’s leading companies in the design, development and production of advanced fiber reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products reaches from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components to complete passenger cabins for commercial aircraft, business jets and helicopters. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhoi, and COMAC as well as for engine manufacturers and sub-suppliers of manufacturers. In the 2012/13 business year FACC achieved an annual turnover of 433.9 million euros. The company employs a staff of around 2,400 employees in Austria.