"Innovating. Together." is the theme of FACC's 25th anniversary year. And it was also the motto for the Long Night of Research at FACC. But the faith that customers such as Boeing and Airbus show in FACC's lightweight components has its price. All research and development departments are subject to strict secrecy and stringent safety standards.
Security turnstiles, ID requirements upon entry, state-of-the-art electronic security installations – most people automatically think of airports when hearing these terms. But a similar high-security zone also exists in the Innviertel. FACC AG, based in Ried, is a global player in the construction of lightweight components for civil aviation. The know-how of the experts is extremely valuable to customers such as Airbus and Boeing and must therefore be protected in an optimum way. That is why outsiders are only offered an insight into FACC's day-to-day work and research activities in exceptional cases.
One such exception was the "Long Night of Research 2014", which attracted some 1,094 guests in total. They were given an exciting glimpse into both the aviation industry and the operations of the successful Upper Austrian company. In plant 4 in Reichersberg, each department of FACC presented exhibits from their own research and development. The staff showed how new technology comes into being and how successful creations set new standards in the aviation industry. In addition, children had the chance to build their very own airplanes in miniature format. This playful approach ensured that the youngest guests could also learn about the company's work in an interesting and exciting way.
The new FACC uniforms, developed by an FACC team in collaboration with a designer, were also presented for the first time at "Long Night of Research". They are based on the uniforms of cabin staff and are worn by the female FACC crew at certain events. The ladies on reception wear the uniforms at work every day to enrich the appearance of FACC.
"We've all flown on holiday in a Boeing or Airbus at some point in our lives. But I never knew that many of the aircraft's components originate from Austria," said Ingrid Haas, who was part of a group that traveled from the Salzkammergut to FACC in the Innviertel.
"Often, more than 50 percent of modern airplanes consist of composite materials like those produced by FACC. With our research and development activities, we have made many planes more efficient and environmentally friendly. We also won another important award – the JEC Award in Paris – in March this year, which we are very proud of," said Konstantin Horejsi, research program coordinator and organizer of "Long Night" at FACC. Among other things, lightweight technology ensures that planes can transport passengers with less fuel. Alongside the reduction in weight and the improvement in aerodynamics, the higher stability of modern materials is also a decisive factor. R&D has therefore played a crucial role for FACC AG since the company was founded 25 years ago. At "Long Night of Research", many interested parties could experience for themselves the innovative work of FACC and the company's excellent reputation as an attractive employer. "I would like to thank everyone who helped organize and stage this interesting and exciting evening for our guests," said Robert Machtlinger, COO of FACC, when bringing the long evening to a close. FACC AG employs more than 2,600 employees, many of whom either visited or helped stage the successful "Long Night of Research" event in Reichersberg.
FACC was also part of the Vienna edition of this nationwide event. The company, along with Federal Minister Doris Bures, famous physician Werner Gruber and entrepreneur Hannes Androsch, were the main focus of the "Technology Island" in the inner courtyard of MuseumsQuartier, whereby representatives of FACC presented innovations and took the attending children on an exploratory journey through the world of aviation. Together with the high-caliber guests, the young researchers had the chance to show off their skills in a paper airplane competition. They each received a certificate as a reward for their work.
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 ranges from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components and 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 subcontractors to the aircraft manufacturers.
In the 2012/13 business year FACC achieved an annual turnover of 433.9 million euros. The company employs a staff of around 2,600 employees in Austria. More information is available at www.facc.com.
For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:
Anja Bichlbauer
Project Manager Communications
Fischerstraße 9
4910 Ried im Innkreis, Austria
Phone: 43 59 616-1137
Email: a.bichlbauer@facc.com