Magazin "take off" - Issue 24 - FACC

akeoff 24 

F A C C C U S T O M E R M A G A Z I N E 07.09 

Winglets 

Structures 

FACC is a specialist in the 

development and manufacture 

of lightweight aerostructures 

from fiber-reinforced composites 

Wing Fairings 

Engine Composites 

Wing Moveables 

Engine Nacelles 

A350 XWB: 

FACC is a partner for development, 

production and industrialization 

Customer Portrait: 

The Goodrich Corporation 

Top Performance: 

ACAC awards FACC the 

Silver Medal Supplier Award

16 2 TAKEOFF takeoff 

F A C C C U S T O M E R M A G A Z I N E 

EDITORIAL 

CONTENTS 

Welcome readers, 

20 years of FACC: On October 16, 1989, FACC was established 

as an independent company. At that time the 

company, with 102 employees, attained a turnover of 

barely 6 million euros. Today FACC is one of the leading 

aviation suppliers in the composite technology. In between 

there lies a unique track story. Take a trip with us 

back in time – in this magazine we will show you how 

everything began and once again present the highlights 

and milestones in the history of FACC. 

Goodrich was one of the first FACC customers; at 

that time it still went under the name of Rohr Inc.. Today 

the American aviation company is still one of the most 

important partners of FACC. The development of 

Goodrich and FACC are somewhat similar, even though 

the dimensions are different. Both began in the business 

of producing something totally unrelated to aviation – 

rubber products and tires at Goodrich, and skis at FACC 

– before developing into aviation specialists. Read about 

this model company in the article about Goodrich. 

Let’s change the subject: This take off focuses on the 

FACC Structures division, coupled with the influences 

of the financially strapped aviation sector. The headlines 

are full of reports of decreasing numbers of airline passengers, 

the least air cargo demand since 2001, a slowdown 

in aircraft manufacturing, and the cutting of jobs. 

Many suppliers are now feeling the effects of the economic 

crisis. But in spite of – or maybe even because of 

– this situation, they are pressing ahead with new technologies 

and developments. And there is plenty to do, 

especially for companies which work with composite 

materials. The increase in the use of composite materials 

in the manufacturing of aircraft and the large-scale 

changes connected with this situation will open new 

paths for many enterprises. A recently released study by 

Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, internationally acknowledged 

corporate consultants, shows that the use 

of composites in aircraft structures will increase by an 

average of around 15 % annually in the next 12 years. 

These are pleasant prognoses for a market segment of 

the future. Read in this issue about how FACC intends 

to profit from this situation, which plans the Structures 

division has for the future and about its involvement in 

the new A350 XWB. 

On behalf of the entire editorial team, I hope you find 

this issue to be an interesting read. 

03 Where do we move 

04 A350 XWB: 

FACC Is a Partner for Development, 

Production and Industrialization 

07 FACC Structures Division: 

We will jointly enter important 

markets with our customers 

10 Customer Portrait: 


13 Top Performance: 

ACAC Awards FACC 

14 Excellent Supplier Award: 

The Best Are Rewarded For 

Their Efforts 

15 Linz09: 

A City Is Alive With Art 

and Culture 

Andrea Schachinger 

Editor 

PS.: We welcome your comments. 

Published by: FACC AG, Fischerstraße 9, A-4910 Ried/Austria. Editorial Staff: Walter Stephan, 

Bernhard Matzner, Andrea Schachinger. Photos: Manfred Lang Klagenfurt, Airbus Toulouse, Alois 

Furtner Ried, Goodrich Charlotte, ACAC Shanghai, Mubadala Abu Dhabi, RORA Schörfling, 

Rolls-Royce Derby, Pointecker Mehrnbach, FACC Ried, Linz09. Design and Composition: Oskar 

Pointecker, 4941 Mehrnbach. 

takeoff@facc.at


takeoff 3 

Where do we move 

>> The economic situation is still 

very insecure. In the last six months 

FACC AG initiated different changes 

and implemented important milestones 

in order to meet the challenges 

of these difficult times. 

First let me express my evaluation 

of the economic climate in the 

aviation industry. At first glance the 

Paris Airshow gave us the impression 

that the troubles in the aviation 

industry have bottomed out and that 

the only way to go is up. When the 

show was over, a backlog of 8,200 

airplanes was on the books for Airbus, 

Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer 

and Rolls-Royce that will fill production 

capacity for many years, even 

though new airplane orders were the 

exception rather than the rule at the 

show. 

Realistically things look different 

for the airlines: For 2009, IATA (International 

Air Transport Association) 

calculates a 15 % decrease in passenger 

travel as compared to the 

previous year, a drop that is double 

the one that occurred after the 

events of September 2001. At the 

same time, fuel prices are going up. 

Experts predict that due to these 

facts, there will be an excess capacity 

of 1,300 airplanes on the market 

at the end of the year. For a manufacturer 

like FACC AG that is not located 

in the dollar zone, the fact that 

the US dollar has become much 

weaker in recent months makes the 

situation even worse. 

And now let’s take a look closer 

to home: In the completed fiscal year 

of 2008/09, FACC AG achieved a 

turnover of Euro 264 million and a 

positive result of Euro 6.3 million 

after having achieved a first-ever 

negative EBIT of Euro -1.8 million in 

the previous year. At the same time, 

we were fortunate enough to have a 

sharp increase in orders last year. 

Right now they come to 1.86 billion 

USD. 

FACC has already taken drastic 

measures to make the company resistant 

to crises and more efficient in 

the future. Last year we carried out 

organizational changes that replaced 

the former structures with effective 

profit centers. These measures are 

leading to a measurable reduction of 

fixed costs and in the coming years 

will contribute to a lasting strengthening 

of the competitiveness of 

FACC AG and to an uninterrupted increase 

in profitability. 

A new collaboration has set the 

course for the expansion of our 

global network and for the safeguarding 

of our growth strategy: 

FACC AG has entered into a longterm 

partnership with Mubadala, a 

state-owned investment company in 

the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration 

stipulates that FACC will 

consult Strata Manufacturing, a subsidiary 

of Mubadala, in the construction 

of an advanced composite production 

facility in Abu Dhabi and in 

addition on a long-term basis procure 

composite components from 

this facility which is located in a US 

dollar zone. It is being planned that 

this collaboration will be expanded 

to include the development of components 

for new passenger planes. 

In the process the partners want to 

work together intensively in R&D, involving 

United Arab Emirate and 

Austrian universities. 

On October 16, FACC will be celebrating 

its 20th company anniversary 

– a significant milestone in the 

journey of the company from a supplier 

of small components to an internationally 

renowned systems 

partner in the aviation industry. This 

is a perfect chance to look back with 

pride and examine the successful as 

well as the difficult times. But our attention 

is directed optimistically to 

the future and we are looking forward 

to the challenges awaiting 

FACC. We want to make use of the 

chances and opportunities that 

changes bring to be able to make 

important and lasting contributions 

to aviation in the future. We are in the 

best possible position to do this: In 

the next decades where technology 

is concerned, composites will be the 

heart of the aviation industry. 

Walter A. Stephan 

Chairman of the Board and CEO 

FACC AG



A350 XWB: 

FACC Is a Partner for Development, 

Production and Industrialization 

The A350 XWB was designed to transport passengers from A to B as efficiently as 

possible. Its strengths are its distinctive aerodynamics and its advanced technologies 

and materials. This also goes for the components and systems that FACC is helping 

to develop for the new long-range airplane. This all saves fuel, reduces operating 

costs and is easy on the environment. 

>> The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide Body) 

is Airbus’s answer to the market demand 

for a highly efficient longrange 

wide body plane with medium 

seating capacity. The new model series 

will fulfill the special requirements 

of the airlines that have originated 

in instable fuel prices, increasing 

demands of the passengers and 

stricter environmental regulations. A 

high degree of the weight of the 

plane - more than 50 % - will be of 

lightweight materials, a fact which 

contributes significantly to cost-savings. 

As a partner for development 

and production, FACC supports the 

activities of Airbus using its comprehensive 

expertise in the field of composites, 

patents and processes. It is 

developing weight-efficient systems 

from composite materials that result 

in reduced fuel consumption and a 

longer lifecycle and in addition facilitates 

maintenance and repair. 

Established Partnerships 

Expanded to the A350 XWB 

Airbus has had years of experience 

with focusing the best resources 

from different countries. The airplane 

manufacturer falls back on this rich 

treasure trove of experience, especially 

in the implementation of new 

products. Thus the company has set 

a goal for itself of assigning around 

half of the production of the next 

generation long-range plane to international 

partners. FACC is a supplier 

in this global network, a company 

that profits from its years of partnerships 

with Airbus, as well as with the 

engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce 

and the manufacturer of nacelles 

Goodrich Aerostructures. And in the 

future the company will extend this 

experience gathered from established 

programs to the new A350 

XWB. Composite components, 

processes and patents that FACC 

has developed in the past for existing 

airplane families such as 

A330/A340, A380 and Boeing 787 

and that are currently being used in 

series production at FACC will be 

used once more for Airbus, Goodrich 

and Rolls-Royce for components 

of the A350 XWB. Among 

them are: 

FACC Facility 4 specializes in engine components and nacelles. Starting in 

2010, systems for the new A350 XWB will be produced here. 

Wing spoilers 

By co-designing and producing 

spoilers for the A350 XWB, FACC is 

expanding its cooperation with Airbus 

Toulouse and Bremen as a tier 1 

supplier and can optimally apply its 

experience that it gathered in unin-



FACC will co-design and manufacture spoilers, translating sleeves and 

various engine composites for the new A350 XWB. 

terrupted research work over the 

years. After having developed and 

produced the three previous models 

– traditional spoilers with classic 

metal fittings for the A340, spoiler innovation 

with integrated RTM fittings 

for the A330/A340 family and the 

787 spoilers – FACC is now working 

on the fourth generation of spoilers, 

this time for the A350 XWB. The enhancement 

work and continuous optimization 

of the structural component 

involved - in the case of the 

A350 XWB there are seven different 

spoilers and one flaperon per wing – 

result in improved aerodynamic 

properties and a weight and costoptimal 

design that integrates innovative 

fittings and vital spoiler functions 

in a unit ready to be installed. 

This cooperation with Airbus is 

entering a new, promising phase. 

Beside its role of a partner for development 

and manufacturing, FACC 

takes the responsibility of outsourcing 

the product to a production partner 

chosen by Airbus according to 

strategic considerations. In the first 

phase, FACC is carrying out the design 

and procurement of tools, the 

specifications of the production 

processes and first sample testing. 

Until 2015, FACC will produce all 

shipsets at its domestic location 

(FACC Facility Ried). It is planned 

that parallel to production at FACC a 

second and completely independent 

production line will be established, 

whereby FACC will previously have 

taken over the training of the employees 

of the partner supplier. Before 

and during the start-up phase, 

an FACC team will be stationed onsite 

at the supply chain partner. From 

the start of production to the step up 

of the production rate, FACC employees 

will supervise all stages of 

the relocation and thus ensure the 

long-term delivery of high-quality 

products for the A350 XWB from the 

Asian region. The goal has been set 

that by 2017, 100 % of the required 

A350 XWB spoilers will be supplied 

by the supply chain partner. 

With these measures, FACC is 

accompanying Airbus in its internationalization 

strategy and following 

the plane manufacturer on the path 

towards the further expansion of 

global supply chains, in order to 

support it in fulfilling its commitments 

in this strategic emerging 

market. For FACC as a tier 1 supplier, 

this program is a further innovative 

step in opening up new markets 

and in applying existing product 

expertise once again, but in an improved 

form, all in coordination with 

the customer. The long-range goal of 

establishing a reliable partner supplier 

is part and parcel of the collaboration 

between Airbus and FACC - 

a partner that can provide the necessary 

production capacity and 

hence together with Airbus and 

FACC not only invest in but also 

benefit from the success of the A350 

XWB. >>



Translating sleeves 

There is yet another global player in 

the aviation industry with which 

FACC has formed a close relationship. 

By awarding FACC as their 

partner for the development and 

production of the translating sleeve, 

Goodrich Aerostructures is strengthening 

its ties with FACC in the area 

of engine nacelles. Goodrich is a development 

and production partner of 

Airbus for the nacelles of the Trent 

XWB engine that is offered by Airbus 

to power the new long-range aircraft. 

Goodrich and FACC have been 

working closely together for more 

than 20 years. The contract stipulates 

that FACC will supply the translating 

sleeve including the blocker 

doors starting in April 2010. FACC 

already produces similar components 

for the Boeing 787 aircraft. A 

team of FACC employees has been 

co-located at Goodrich in Chula 

Vista for months to gather expertise 

concerning the last component developments 

for the A350 XWB. Here 

as well, the continuous improvement 

process in the areas of materials, 

processes, design and component 

configuration all the way to production 

methods are being closely examined, 

with the goal in mind of 

contributing to the increase in efficiency 

of the aircraft. Facility 4, 

which was opened by FACC in May 

2007, had already been tailored to 

the construction of the A350 XWB 

components. Consequently, FACC is 

already well-equipped as a partner 

of Goodrich to efficiently cover 

everything needed for the A350 

XWB in the future. 

Engine composites 

Another industrial cooperation that 

has grown over the years is the one 

based on the contract to supply 

composite engine components for 

the Trent XWB. Together with Rolls- 

Royce, FACC will develop and produce 

a selection of composite components 

for the newest member of 

the engine family, similar to previous 

Airbus A350 XWB: Shaping efficiency 

The A350 XWB is shaping the future of operational efficiency – providing 

airlines with a family of new-generation aircraft that is best suited to the 

market’s requirements in terms of size, range, revenue generation, passenger 

comfort and the environment. 

Conceived from the outset to become a comprehensive airliner 

family, the A350 XWB will be available in three basic passenger versions, 

flying up to 350 passengers on a range of more than 15,750 km / 8,500 

nm. The A350 XWB was given its industrial launch in December 2006. 

The A350-900 is to enter the final assembly stage in the first half of 2011 

with first flight planned for spring 2012. In July 2013, the first planes are 

to be delivered to the customers. One year later the shortened version 

A350-800 will follow, and at the end of 2015 the long version A350- 

1000. 

As of June 2009, 31 customers have ordered 493 A350 WXB aircraft. 

Airbus A350 XWB Specifications 

Trent models. Among the products 

are sound attenuation features for 

the Fan Case – the Front and Rear 

Acoustic liners - as well as Splitter 

Fairings. 

FACC Expands Its Core 

Operations 

A350-800 A350-900 A350-1000 

Overall length 60.7 m/199 ft. 1 in. 67.0 m/219 ft. 11 in. 74.0 m/242 ft. 10 in. 

Height 17.2 m/56 ft. 3 in. 17.1 m/56 ft. 2 in. 17,2 m/56 ft. 3 in. 

Wing span 

64.8 m/212 ft. 5 in. 

Fuselage width 

5.96 m/19 ft. 6 in. 

Passenger 270 314 350 

Engines RR Trent XWB RR Trent XWB RR Trent XWB 

(Thrust) (74,000 lb. slst) (83,000 lb. slst) (92,000 lb. slst) 

Max. take-off weight 248 t 268 t 298 t 

Range 15,400 km/ 15,000 km/ 14800 km/ 

(w/max. passengers) 8,300 nm. 8,100 nm. 8,000 nm. 

Typical 

cruise speed 

0,85 Mach 

Mutual benefits are decisive for the 

long-term success of partnerships. 

Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Goodrich 

can all fall back on the expertise that 

FACC has amassed over the years 

as well as its excellent services, 

starting from the design, development 

and calculation all the way to 

the development and procurement 

of the optimal production tools, all 

the way to cost-effective production. 

Then again, participation in the A350 

XWB program offers FACC the opportunity 

to expand its core operations 

in the area of aircraft structures 

and to maximize value of the existing 

product portfolio, and accordingly 

reduce in-company costs and 

increase competitiveness. This results 

in a clear win-win situation for the 

partners involved, which is designed 

to be long-term and to assure lasting 

success and benefits for all.



We will jointly enter important markets 

with our customers 

An interview with Robert Machtlinger, Vice President of 

the Structures Division of FACC AG, about the new 

dimensions of strategic partnerships, the upturn of 2012 

and how the Structures Division is defying the current 

economic crisis. 

take off: Please give our readers a 

short overview of the Structures Division. 

Machtlinger: The core competence 

of the Structures Division lies in the 

development, certification and production 

of lightweight structural 

components made of composite 

materials for aircraft manufacturers 

and their first tier suppliers. Among 

of the products are fuselage fairings, 

winglets and various fairing surfaces 

and flight control surfaces on wings 

such as flap track fairings and spoilers. 

Our strengths lie in being able to 

offer the customer innovative, custom-made 

complete systems in an 

assembly ready to install and 

thereby offer complete service from 

concept design to detail design, the 

design and production of tools, to 

the support of the supply chain and 

certification of the components. 

take off: In the A350 XWB program, 

Airbus is intensifying its industrial 

partnerships with the goal of dividing 

up more complex work packages 

among fewer and larger suppliers. 

FACC is on board as a first tier supplier. 

What is the involvement in the 

newest Airbus program turning out 

to be 

Machtlinger: On the one hand, our 

involvement in the Airbus A350 XWB 

program is based on our expertise 

gathered in the past and on existing 

partnerships. On the other hand, for 

us it represents a definite advance 

into new dimensions. Let me point 

out two basic factors. Number one, 

Airbus is pressing ahead with production 

outside of Europe in order to 

tap talent and resources worldwide, 

to take advantage of cheaper cost 

structures and also to accommodate 

its customers in up-and-coming 

growth markets. Secondly, FACC is 

a comparatively small company in 

the aviation industry. Just take a look 

at the market: it is dominated by 

large corporations with the necessary 

financial means to carry out the 

development of airplanes from the 

very beginning. Our advantage 

clearly lies in the fact that we are 

highly competent in the area of development 

and apply the most modern 

and efficient production technologies 

on the market, thus creating 

a competitive and sustainable 

cost base. And that is something our 

customers would not want to do 

without. 

take off: How can FACC protect its 

chances in this demanding phase 

Machtlinger: We have given thought 

to the most diverse directions and 

have come to the conclusion that we 

can ensure value-added growth only 

in cooperation with international 

partner companies. In recent years 

we have developed our Austrian locations 

into a top competency center 

for sophisticated composite 

technology. This is where we develop 

and produce advanced components 

and systems. This is where 

we profit from our highly qualified 

employees. However, in order to 

achieve the necessary size and 

weight for the needs of the market, 

“We have very strong expertise in development at our 

disposal and apply the most modern and efficient production 

technologies on the market. This way FACC creates a 

competitive and lasting cost base.” 

FACC must enter into international 

partnerships that can guarantee 

successful existence and further 

growth in the future. Only as a globally 

competitive company can we be 

in the position to secure jobs in Austria 

in the long run. Our customers 

have let us know in the course of 

many conversations that they want 

to build on the excellent services of 

FACC. But at the same time they 

also stress that FACC must reach a 

new dimension and in connection 

also achieve a solid financial base, in 

order to be able to co-finance development 

costs of new aircraft programs. 

We must therefore be consistent 

in proceeding on the path we 

have begun in the direction of a 

global aviation supplier. 

take off: Are there already precise 

plans to this kind of cooperation 

Machtlinger: The Structures Division 

of FACC has been working successfully 

for many years with international 

companies based in the 

USA, China, South Korea, Malaysia 

and other countries. Our partners are 

sub-suppliers of wing components 

for various Boeing airplanes, or of



The production of fuel-saving winglets: FACC focuses on its 

core activities and concentrates these in Centers of Excellence. 

One of these is the highly-modern production line for 

winglets in Facility 1 in Ried. 

components that do not lie within 

the competency of FACC, for example 

metal parts. To get back to the 

A350 XWB: We recently signed an 

agreement with Airbus that stipulates 

that starting 2015, FACC will 

have components for the A350 XWB 

built by a partner of their choice. We 

are taking a step even further with 

the investment company Mubadala. 

FACC is already consulting the company 

in the planning, construction 

and certification of a composite production 

facility in Abu Dhabi. A production 

line is to be constructed that 

is best tailored to the production of 

special wing parts. 

take off: But doesn’t that involve a 

great amount of management and 

coordination What are the advantages 

in such a partnership, especially 

with Mubadala 

Machtlinger: There are many advantages 

for FACC. The collaborations 

open potential for further development 

work, create additional 

capacities for upcoming future projects 

at a simultaneous reduction of 

production costs and through outsourcing 

to a USD market, lessen 

the currency risk. Just as important 

is the fact that by outsourcing laborintensive 

projects, we can free up 

production capacity in our domestic 

facilities for products with a higher 

value creation. How can we best 

achieve this By focusing on our 

core competencies in accordance 

with our long-term strategic direction 

and concentrate them into a 

kind of “center of excellence”. In 

Austria the core business will be the 

production of highly integrated 

structural parts such as winglets, 

flaps, engine and engine nacelle 

components as well as RTM parts 

and interiors. The development of 

such complex components, as well 

as the production of the pre-series 

parts including their certification, are 

among the main focuses. Together 

with Mubadala and with the support 

of Airbus, we are establishing a center 

of excellence for wing components 

in the United Arab Emirates 

which we will use as a kind of “extended 

workbench”. International 

partnerships such as these are also 

important for a different reason: With 

our customers, we want to jointly enter 

growing and strategically important 

markets. 

take off: The news is full of the financial 

and economic crisis. What 

does this crisis mean for FACC as 

aviation suppler 

Machtlinger: Worldwide the crisis is 

also affecting the aviation industry. 

Our customers feel impelled to 

freeze or reduce their production 

rates. I assume that in 2010 rates will 

be reduced for passenger planes 

even further. Still, there is no reason 

to panic, since FACC is comparatively 

well positioned. It is positive 

for us that we have a relatively high 

share of components on the A380 

and Boeing 787 whose delivery will 

increase and compensate for reductions 

in the existing programs in the 

next years. For FACC this means in 

detail that growth will be limited in 

the next two years. We won’t expect 

a massive increase in turnover until 

2012. 

take off: How are you protecting 

your division from the crisis 

Machtlinger: Crises offer the 

chance to improve things now in order 

to be ready for the next upturn. It 

is essential to see the economic 

downturn as an advanced balancing 

act. The center of attention must be 

consistent optimizing. The turnover 

stagnation should be used to improve 

of processes and company 

operations. We are working on 

pressing ahead with automation, 

shortening of operating cycles in 

production, and increasing output as 

well as efficiency, profitability and 

competitiveness. 

take off: According to a study by the 

internationally renowned Roland 

Berger Strategy Consultants, the use 

of composites in airplane construction 

will grow by about 15 % annually 

by 2020. Are these pleasing 

prospects for FACC 

Machtlinger: That definitely is a reason 

to be optimistic. Innovative 

manufacturers of aerostructures 

from composite materials will have 

good chances also in the future, precisely 

in a difficult economic environment 

and can expand their position 

worldwide. However, the study 

you cited mentions as those who will 

most probably profit the large tier 1 

suppliers who are leading in cost-efficiency 

and technology and offer



additional services which go beyond 

that of a simple manufacturer. And 

this is where things come full circle: 

Precisely in the light of this market 

situation, it becomes blatantly obvious 

how important strategic partnerships 

between customers and suppliers 

are. Global challenges are easier 

to deal with together. A joint 

course of action in an international 

network between companies 

strengthens the position of all those 

involved and thus also that of FACC. 

Especially for FACC, which is a small 

but – thanks to its strength in innovation 

– an important player in the 

aviation supplier field, it is important 

to strengthen further expand its position 

among the recognized, leading 

suppliers through partnerships. 

FACC forms partnership with Mubadala Development Company 

to establish manufacturing programs at Strata composite aerostructure manufacturing 

plant in Abu Dhabi 

At the end of 2008, FACC AG and 

tion, certification and start-up of the 

Middle East market. Beyond that it 

Mubadala Development Company, 

new facility and the training of em- 

ensures the competitiveness of 

the development and investment 

ployees. In the first phase of the co- 

FACC and facilitates the consistent 

company that is a catalyst for the 

operation, FACC will transfer the 

continuation of it successful interna- 

economic diversification of the emi- 

production of spoilers and flap track 

tional strategy. Furthermore, it opens 

rate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emi- 

fairings for Airbus A330/A340 and 

up comprehensive production capa- 

rates, formed an industrial partner- 

A380 aircraft models to the United 

city for FACC in a US dollar based 

ship and signed a supplier agree- 

Arab Emirates. The planned next 

economy and counteracts the strong 

ment. Under the agreement, FACC 

phase will see further projects of Air- 

dependence on the dollar and the 

will support Strata in the construc- 

bus and potentially of other aircraft 

adverse rate of the dollar. 

tion of their composite plant in Al Ain 

manufacturers. 

The development of a thriving in- 

and will transfer composite aero- 

By shifting the production of 

ternational aerospace hub in Abu 

structures manufacturing programs 

these products, FACC AG will free 

Dhabi, with a focus on knowledge- 

to the new plant. 

up capacity in the Austrian facilities 

transfer, technology and innovation, 

Construction of the plant com- 

that are needed to support future 

is a key element of the Abu Dhabi 

menced in June 29th 2009, with the 

business development and further 

Economic Vision 2030. Mubadala is 

manufacturing of advanced compo- 

growth. 

bringing together existing aerospace 

site aerostructures beginning in Q4 

The cooperation with Mubadala 

assets and forming industrial part- 

Currently under con- 

2010. Subsequent phases of expan- 

represents an important step for 

nerships to build a high technology 

struction: A modern 

sion are planned to provide a total 

FACC on its path towards being a 

knowledge intensive aerospace in- 

composite production 

facility in excess of 60,000 m² over 

global company and makes allo- 

dustry for Abu Dhabi. Further infor- 

facility for Strata Manu- 

the next few years. 

wance for the demands of airplane 

mation on Mubadala can be found 

facturing in Abu Dhabi. 

FACC will offer comprehensive 

manufacturers to carry out produc- 

under 

In the fourth quarter of 

technical support in the construc- 

tion on-site in the fast-growing 

www.mubadala.ae. 

2010, production will 

begin there for wing 

components.



Customer Portrait: 


If there’s an aircraft in the sky – we’re on it. A motto with a clear message: All of 

the world’s important aircraft manufacturers count on the services of the Goodrich 

Corporation. With their wide product range and farsighted acquisition policy, the 

American supplier has captured a leading market position in the aviation industry. 

>> The success story of the American 

corporation began in 1870, 

when Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich 

founded Goodrich, Tew & Co. 

in Akron, Ohio as a factory for tires 

and rubber products. The company 

already entered the aviation business 

during the “Pioneer Era” of 

flight. In 1903, the Wright brothers 

made history with their historic first 

flight. Only six years later the American 

Glenn Curtis set a new speed 

record of 47 miles per hour to win 

the international flying race in Reims, 

France. The tires for his airplane 

were made by Goodrich. 

The company also supplied the electrical 

equipment and carburetors for 

the Vickers Vimy bomber, later to be 

used as a passenger plane, for the 

first flight from London to Australia, 

as well as for Charles Lindbergh’s 

first solo flight across the Atlantic 

from New York to Paris. Due to this 

early involvement in flight, industry 

experts refer to the American company 

as the “Mother of All Aviation 

Suppliers”, and rightfully so. 

Present All Around the 

Globe 

The present Goodrich Company is 

dramatically different from the company 

at the time of its establishment 

140 years ago. Whereas the company 

at that time was a highly reputable 

manufacturer of rubber products, 

today it is one of the big players 

in the aviation and defense markets 

– and is no longer in the tire 

business. In the last 20 years, Goodrich 

has made more than 40 company 

acquisitions and thus significantly 

strengthened its market position. 

The product range of the American 

supplier, headquartered in 

Charlotte, North Carolina, is presently 

one of the widest in the aviation 

industry. In order to focus more 

on aviation, Goodrich pulled out of 

the sector of specialized chemicals 

in 2001. Currently the company employees 

a workforce of 25,000 and 

has over 80 facilities in 16 countries 

worldwide. In 2008, the company - 

with the three central business fields 

of engine nacelles and interior systems; 

actuation and landing systems; 

and electronic systems - had 

sales of 7.1 million USD. The application 

areas of the products and systems 

are wide and range from large 

civil passenger planes, regional and 

business planes and helicopters to 

applications for defense and space. 

Success Through Lean 

Operating Principles 

Goodrich is undoubtedly one of the 

aviation companies that benefits 

from a strategy that includes passing 

large parts of the development and 

production of an aircraft on to suppliers. 

In this way, Goodrich is involved 

in the construction of the Airbus 

A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner as 

well as in the latest Airbus development 

program A350 XWB. 

Crucial for the success of the company 

is its constant efforts to provide 

systems, products and services that



increase the efficiency of an aircraft 

while reducing ecological influences, 

maintenance and costs. However, 

what has greatly contributed to the 

increase of competitiveness of Goodrich 

has definitely been - and still 

is- that it has led the way in implementing 

lean operating principles in 

production and product development. 

Just take its approach to the 

nacelle program for the Boeing 787 

Dreamliner. As early as 1994, based 

on the principles of the Toyota Production 

System, Goodrich adopted 

an evolving lean culture originating 

with a lean manufacturing approach 

in the factory. Today this approach 

has grown to encompass lean product 

development and has become 

a game changer in the way Goodrich 

designs and manufactures products. 

Besides, Lean Product Development 

(LPD) techniques utilized with the 

787 nacelle program will contribute 

to improved product quality while 

helping to reduce costs and cycle 

time. 

Goodrich and FACC: 

A Strong Team 

Goodrich gets support from FACC in 

the implementation of cost efficient, 

innovative concepts made of composites. 

The two companies can 

look back on a long and successful 

collaboration, with the first joint projects 

go back to 1987. Ever since, 

the cooperation has constantly 

grown. FACC is responsible for the 

development and production of the 

translating sleeves of the Boeing 787 

Dreamliner and recently received an 

order to supply this complex system 

for the A350 XWB. As a link in the 

value-added chain for the Goodrich 

nacelle programs, FACC is significantly 

involved in the design, development 

and production of highly 

competitive products and advanced 

technologies in the area of aerodynamic 

engine nacelles. >> 

Advanced production: Goodrich uses Automated Fiber Placement machine 

in the manufacture of the inner fixed structure for the 787 thrust reverser.



“take off” has asked the decision makers at Goodrich and FACC just what it is about the cooperation of 

the two companies that they appreciate: 

“Our goals are to align ourselves with companies that share our passion for outstanding customer 

service and support. Our relationship with FACC has always been one that is built on 

mutual trust and customer satisfaction.” 

Ken Wood | Vice President & General Manager | Commercial Programs | Goodrich Aerostructures 

“We view FACC as a vital part of our extended enterprise and enjoy a good relationship with its 

leadership and teams. Both the 787 contract we awarded FACC in 2005 and the recent signing 

of the Memo of Agreement for the A350 XWB represent significant business opportunities 

for both our companies. We are proud of our long-term relationship and have full confidence in 

FACC’s ability to exceed both Goodrich and our customers’ expectations over the ensuing 

years.” 

Tim Martin | Director | Material and Supply Chain | Goodrich Aerostructures 

“FACC’s program teams’ continued engagement with Lean has facilitated our communications 

and enabled us to identify and resolve day-to-day challenges in a timely manner. We look forward 

to continuing the excellent relationship and being able to mutually benefit from FACC’s 

specialized composites experience to exceed the expectations of our customers on Goodrich 

Aerostructures’ many nacelle programs.” 

Michael Page | SCM Program Manager – FACC Projects | Goodrich Aerostructures 

“Twenty years ago Goodrich put its confidence in FACC and as one of its main customers laid 

the foundation for the FACC that we know today with the commissioning of the production of 

small composite components. Over the years, the synergies between Goodrich and FACC could 

be capitalized on anew again and again as Gooodrich's expertise was combined with FACC's 

technological solutions. The goal of continuously improving all processes in the company is 

being pursued independently by both partners, which provides an optimal environment for cooperation.” 

Walter A. Stephan | CEO | FACC AG 

“With their excellent market position for the development, production and integration of nacelle 

systems for commercial aviation, Goodrich is one of the most important strategic partners of 

FACC. The new organizational structure of FACC, especially with the creation of the new Profit 

Center Engines & Nacelles, is geared to the further intensification of the long-standing collaboration.” 

Robert Braunsberger | Vice President Engines & Nacelles | FACC AG



Award for outstanding performance: Luo Ronghuai, President of ACAC, 

(4th from r.) and Tao Zhihui, Director of International Cooperation of 

COMAC (at the podium) at the presentation of the Silver Medal Award to 

Gerhard Mörtenhuber, Vice President Interiors, FACC (2nd from r.). 

ACAC Awards FACC 

for Top Performance 

Important program 

milestone reached 

In May 2009, FACC successfully completed the installation fit 

check of the first passenger cabin of an ARJ21.The interior for 

the Chinese regional jet excels by its modern design. Its roominess 

and excellent acoustics offer passengers maximum 

comfort. One focus of the development work done by FACC 

was on optimising cost and efficiency in the production of the 

various components. 

>> The Chinese airplane manufacturer 

AVIC Commercial Aircraft Co., 

Ltd. (ACAC) has awarded FACC AG 

the Silver Medal Supplier Award for 

the development and manufacturing 

of the ARJ21 passenger cabin. With 

this award ACAC recognizes the excellent 

performance of its supplier 

partner in the development of the 

new Chinese regional airplane that 

successfully completed its first flight 

in November 2008. 

“This award is a recognition of our extraordinary 

commitment to our partnership 

with ACAC,” said Gerhard 

Mörtenhuber, Vice President Interiors 

of FACC when he accepted the 

award in Shanghai. “We are very 

pleased about this honor, which is at 

the same time an incentive not to become 

slack in our efforts and to continue 

to satisfy our customers with 

top performance. And we are proud 

of the dedication of our employees 

who developed and produced a 

pleasant, comfortable interior of excellent 

quality,” Mörtenhuber added. 

ACAC awarded the Silver Medal Supplier 

Award on the occasion of the 

first flight of the ARJ21. „During the 

past years, all the partners of the 

ARJ21 program had been working 

very hard together with ACAC, overcoming 

difficulties one after another 

in the development of the ARJ21-700 

aircraft“, said Luo Ronghuai, President 

of ACAC. “It is our mutual 

understanding and joint efforts made 

in the design and development, 

testing, manufacturing and delivery of 

all major airborne systems/equipments, 

which lead to the successful 

achievement of the first flight milestone.” 



Excellent Supplier 

Award: 

The Best Are Rewarded For Their Efforts 

FACC has awarded top suppliers for their excellent dedication and outstanding 

services with the Excellent Supplier Award in gold, silver and bronze, as 

well as with a Special Performance Award. 

EXCELLENT SUPPLIER 

AWARD IN GOLD: 


AWARD IN SILVER: 


AWARD IN BRONZE: 

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE 

AWARD: 

RORA 

WESCO AIRCRAFT 

EUROPE 

SACS 

KELLNER & KUNZ 

Location: 

Location: 

Location: 

Location: 

Schörfling am Attersee, Austria 

Park Mill Way, Clayton West, UK 

Rottweil, Germany 

Wels, Austria 

Core business: 




Production of precision moulded 

Wesco Aircraft is a stockist and 

Manufacture of mounting ele- 

Kellner & Kunz is a wholesale 

parts and gaskets made out of 

logistic service provider for aero- 

ments and connection elements 

company offering products in the 

elastomers and thermoplastics, 

space fasteners and standard 

as well as hardware and equip- 

fields of fastening technology, 

precision metal parts and assem- 

hardware. 

ment for aircraft interiors. 

screws and bolts, tools and aux- 

blies. 

iliary materials. 

The FACC Excellent Supplier Award 2008 in gold goes to RORA, 

Austria: fltr. J. Fellinger (Managing Director, RORA), R. Leitner 

(Purchasing, FACC), A. Lautner (Management Assistent, 

RORA), D. Demetris (Quality Assurance, FACC), J. Schneeweiss 

(General Manager, RORA) and R. Weber (Managing Director, 

RORA Germany) 

>> With this annual Excellent Supplier 

Award, FACC AG recognizes its 

best supplier partners. The rising demands 

in the aviation industry as 

well as the development of prices on 

the international raw materials and 

energy markets present huge challenges 

for companies and their suppliers. 

The goal is that the company 

and an excellent supplier base both 

grow profitably. “The Excellent Supplier 

Award is both recognition and 

an incentive. Each of the four distinguished 

companies has met our 

standards excellently,” said Rudolf 

Leitner, the person responsible for 

purchasing world-wide for FACC. “In 

view of current difficult economic 

conditions, the challenges we face 

are unprecedented and the demands 

that FACC puts on its suppliers 

are accordingly high. These include, 

among others, zero-defect 

quality, strict adherence to schedules, 

commercial performance, competitiveness, 

flexibility and a preparedness 

to take cost-cutting and 

process optimizing measures. “This 

must all lead to a higher competitiveness 

and optimized cost structures 

for us,” said Leitner. 

The suppliers awarded for 2008 

were chosen from a worldwide 

pool of about 300 suppliers. The 

procurement turnover of FACC came 

to around 160 million euros for 

2008.



Linz09: 

A City Is Alive With Art and Culture 

Long gone are the days when Linz was known only for its heavy industry and dirty 

smokestacks. This city on the Danube has since developed into a genuine pearl. 

The capital of Upper Austria is the 2009 European Culture Capital and wins points 

for its top venues and contemporary themes. 

>> Long before being chosen as the 

European Culture Capital, Linz’s politics 

focused on art and culture, in 

order to shake off its image as an industrial 

city. This is when important 

venues such as the Brucknerhaus 

Concert Hall, Ars Electronica Center 

and Lentos Art Museum came into 

being – places that are well known 

well beyond Austria’s borders and 

are among the event venues for the 

year of the Culture Capital City. The 

organizers of Linz09 see the event as 

a process and engine for further city 

development. Thus there is a lot of 

building and renovating going on, for 

example on Schlossberg, the hill that 

crowns the old part of the city and 

offers a wonderful view of the lazily 

flowing Danube. 

3,500 events during the year. 300 

artists from more than 40 countries 

are participating. The events range 

from exhibits and theatre offerings to 

concerts, festivals and sporting 

events. In addition, there are the cultural 

highlights that already exist, 

such as the Brucknerfest, the Klangwolke, 

the Ars Electronica Festival, 

the Festival of the Regions and the 

Crossing Europe Film Festival. 

Many projects allow Linz09 to tell 

various stories about the Upper Austrian 

capital city. Past, present and 

future are reflected in various ways. 

In addition, Europe and the world 

form two further poles in the 

program to show the openness of 

the city. 

position as the European Capital 

City. Linz09 is an invitation to city 

residents and visitors to get to know 

the city and immerse themselves in a 

diversity of culture, to get an idea of 

its architectural ambience and learn 

about the history of the city, as well 

as to take advantage of the central 

location of the provincial capital city 

to explore the interesting region of 

Upper Austria and let the region’s 

beautiful landscape leave its imprint. 

If the organizers of Linz09 have 

their way, the various culture projects 

of the steel city, the electronic city, 

will also continue to be one of the 

most interesting cities of Austria.

20 Years of FACC: 

From a supplier of small components to an internationally renowned systems partner in the aerospace industry. 

FACC AG 

A-4910 Ried/Austria, Fischerstraße 9 

Tel. +43 / 59 / 616-0, Fax +43/59 / 616 - 81000 

e-mail: office@facc.at, www.facc.co.at

20 YEARS OF FACC | 20 YEARS OF DYNAMICS 

On October 16, 1989, FACC was established as an independent company. This year Austria’s leading aviation 

supplier is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. 

In the international aviation supplier industry 

FACC is known as a hallmark for technologically 

sophisticated lightweight solutions 

for airplanes and helicopters – and the 

name stands for progress and dynamics. 

While at the beginning of the 1980’s the 

company, still a division of Fischer Ski, supplied 

its first small components, it is now 

among the leading aviation suppliers, designing, 

developing and producing complete 

composite assemblies for the giants 

in the field. Its high-tech products are 

backed up by twenty years of research, innovation, 

precision and passion. 

In these two decades air traffic increased 

immensely. FACC profited from a 

technology trend that saw increased use of 

fiber composite materials in aircraft construction, 

but at the same time found itself 

confronted with the most various challenges: 

the usual cyclical fluctuations of the 

industry, a sharp downturn after September 

11, SARS, high fuel prices and the current 

financial and economic crisis. As globalization 

became the buzzword, the effects 

of a more and more demanding international 

market had to be met. The fact that 

the company, in the course of its history, 

could successfully master these volatile 

times has to do with the symbiosis of intelligence, 

enthusiasm and flexibility shown by 

management and employees, and also with 

the confidence that its customers and owners 

had in the young company. 

How it all began … 

A good 20 years ago, some pioneers at Fischer, 

among them the current chairman of 

the board Walter Stephan, had a vision 

along with the courage to implement it. The 

vision was to take the fiber composite construction 

used in the production of skis and 

apply it to aircraft construction. At the time, 

Fischer had approached its development 

team with the challenge that a cross-country 

ski should not weigh more than 1,000 

grams, but still had to be unbreakable. The 

solution was found in fusing high-strength 

glass fiber to an extremely light composite 

material - the ideal combination for the 

modern construction of airplanes! In 1981 

Fischer got its first contract for the development 

of CFK struts for the A300-600 and 

A310. But the goal was set too high: The 

3-man team, whose main task had actually 

been the developing of sporting goods, was 

tiny in relation to the international concern, 

and was not able to meet the expectations 

of the aircraft engineers at Airbus. 

Milestones of the Company History 

1981: The R&D department of Fischer 

GmbH, looking for a new application for 

the fiber composite expertise that the 

company gathered in the manufacture of 

skis, gets its first order from an aircraft 

manufacturer for the development of 

struts for the Airbus A300-600 and A310. 

1986: The ski manufacturer spins FACC off as 

a separate division. The name FACC appears 

for the first time. 27 employees, a turnover of 

1.2 million euros. 

1986: First order from 

Rohr Inc. for the 

production of MD80 

Door Frames 

1987: Construction of first 

FACC production facility 

in Ried i. I., Upper Austria. 

1981 

1984 

1985 

1986 

1987 

1984: Startup of the first 

autoclave. 

1985: The first airplane components 

go into series production – 

fuselage service doors of the 

McDonnell Douglas MD80 

1987: Major order from 

McDonnell Douglas for 

MD11 flap track fairings 

and sidewall panels

1987 

Known for his Penchant for 

Innovation 

Josef Fischer 

Shareholder of the Fischer 

group and sponsor of FACC, 

in 1987 at the signing of the 

first contract with Boeing 

With his pioneer spirit and his openness to new 

technologies, “Pepi” Fischer was a vital presence 

in the origins and success of FACC. At an early 

stage he recognized the possible synergies between 

ski and airplane construction. 

At the signing of the first contract with Boeing 

he commented: “Already in 1975 I was invited by 

the president of Boeing, Mr. Luplow, to visit the 

Boeing facilities in Seattle. On the one hand I was 

very impressed by the scale of operations, and on 

the other hand I drew the conclusion that the 

composite technology used by Fischer in ski production 

could also be very interesting for airplane 

construction. After all, both areas deal with developing 

and applying the strongest and lightest 

possible materials that need to be exposed to dynamic 

long-term stress. At that time, when the 

Boeing 747 went into series production, I turned 

up with my idea 15 years too early.” 

The Takeoff Phase: 

From Small Components to 

Complete Solutions 

The ambitious team did not give up 

easily and landed another order: Fischer 

was to develop and produce maintenance 

doors for the MD80 series. This time the 

results were impressive and McDonnell 

Douglas became a customer. The first aircraft 

components entered series production 

in Ried in 1985. A year later an order 

for the manufacture of MD80 Door Frames 

came from Rohr Inc., the American company 

known today as Goodrich Aerostructures 

and one of the most important partners 

of FACC. 

After that, nothing stood in the way of 

spinning off the team of airplane enthusiasts 

to form their own division. The result 

of this restructuring was the launching of 

FACC in 1986. 

In 1987, the American airplane manufacturer 

McDonnell Douglas awarded a 

contract to FACC for over 100m USD. This 

was without a doubt a huge leap of faith in 

a company that employed several dozen 

workers and realized a turnover of about 

3m USD. The order was for the development 

and production of flap track fairings 

and sidewall panels for MD11 passenger 

cabins – products that are among the core 

competencies of the company and are still 

being produced for various types of 

planes. In the same year the foundation 

was laid for collaboration with a further important 

customer. Boeing ordered APU access 

doors for the Boeing 757 and bulkhead 

panels for the Boeing 737, one of the 

most popular passenger planes. The first 

production facility built expressly for the 

production of airplane components was 

erected, and further orders from Saab, 

Fokker and DeHavilland followed. 

The next milestone was on October 16, 

1989, when Fischer Advanced Composite 

Components GmbH, or FACC for short, 

was established as an independent subsidiary 

of Fischer. FACC was able to position 

itself among its competitors by making 

high-quality products, optimizing production 

processes and gathering its own aviation 

expertise. The first production order 

came from Airbus for overhead bins and 


de Havilland for floor panels 

for the Dash 8 

1989: FACC is spun off from the 

Fischer concern and Fischer 

Advanced Composite Components, 

GmbH is formed. 102 employees, 

a turnover of 6 million euros. 

1991: Österreichischen Salinen AG 

acquires 50 % of FACC 

1997: Opening of new 

facilities as well as an 

office building at company 

headquarters in Ried i. I. 

1987 

1989 1991 1996 1997 

1987: First Boeing order for 

the development and production 

of maintenance doors for the 

Boeing 757 and bulkhead panels 

for the 737 

1989: First order from Airbus for 

the production of overhead bins 

and ceiling panels for the A320 

1996: Order for the development 

and production of the 

MD95 passenger cabin

1999 

ceiling panels for the popular A320 aircraft 

family. 

In 1991, Österreichischen Salinen AG, a 

group of companies whose main business 

is salt mining and production, bought 

stake in FACC. The investment served as 

an engine to promote further growth of the 

company and to implement a far-reaching 

investment program in buildings and facilities. 

This enabled the company to take up 

structural components in its production 

program. By producing the main landing 

gear doors for the A320 and the engine 

nozzles for the A340, the company proved 

itself as a system supplier of complete 

systems and assemblies. 

In 1996, FACC got the order for development 

and production of the complete 

passenger cabin of the MD95 - the current 

Boeing 717 - and thus the company completed 

its transition from being a manufacturer 

of small components to an important 

partner for the development and production 

of advanced major components and 

entire system solutions for the high-tech 

aviation industry. 

A Steep Climb: 

New Orders, New Facilities, 

New Logo 

In the following years an average 25 % 

annual increase in turnover was evidence 

of the success of the emerging aviation 

supplier and this required a massive expansion 

of production capacity. In 1997, 

FACC completed the comprehensive expansion 

measures in Facility 1 and the 

construction of a new office building as 

company headquarters, both in Ried. New 

major projects from new customers and a 

large order backlog once again pushed capacity 

to the limits. Therefore in 1999, a 

second facility was planned in Ort im 

Innkreis, ten kilometers from company 

headquarters with the goal of creating a 

competency and profit center for interior 

components. 

In the same year the company became 

a joint-stock company and the present 

logo was introduced as an important contribution 

towards company identity. 

The FACC Logo: 

Catchy, Distinctive, Clear 

In 1999, FACC AG set to work to find a new company 

logo that could express the independence 

that the company had already practiced for years. 

The company decided on a distinctive and simple 

logo consisting of two main components that express 

competence and dynamics: 

The dark grey square 

serves as a base and stands for stability, quality 

and competence. In every area of its business, 

FACC can rely on a rock solid base that is backed 

by the owners, boosted by the vision of management 

and ensured by the employees and their 

years of expertise. 

The grey-blue triangle 

that is pointing upwards stands for upgrowth, dynamics 

and success. Its company philosophy anchors 

FACC in a constant pursuit of progress and 

innovation, and sees in these concepts the guarantee 

for success and further growth. 

Up until 1999: 

1999: FACC is converted 

into a joint-stock company. 

The company gets a new logo. 

370 employees, a turnover 

of 59 million euros 

2000: Rolls Royce names 

FACC as supply chain 

manager of composite 

engine components 

2002: The first 

winglets are produced 

for Aviation 

Partners Boeing 

2003: Boeing 

choses FACC as 

development and 

production partner 

for the Boeing 

787 program 

1999 2000 2001 2002 

2003 

1999: Groundbreaking for 

Facility 2, a new production 

facility for interiors in Ort im 

Innkreis, Upper Austria 

2000: Facility 2 Interiors is 

opened in Ort im Innkreis, 

Upper Austria 

2001: FACC starts an 

apprenticeship program. 

2002: FACC becomes 

tier 1 supplier for the 

Airbus A380 program

In 2000, the engine manufacturer Rolls- 

Royce chose FACC as supply chain manager 

for all composite components of its 

engines for passenger planes. The partnership 

made it possible for FACC to further 

expand its activities in the development 

and production of engine components, 

and by using advanced composite 

technology the company played a significant 

part in making new engines efficient 

and environmentally sound. 

New Horizons: 

Success with Technological 

Innovation 

The beginning of the 21st century also 

marks the launch of new, revolutionary airplane 

programs that are aimed at making 

air traffic cleaner, quieter, more efficient 

and safer. The use of fiber composite materials 

begins to triumph. Whereas at the 

time of its first flight in 1979 1.5 % of the 

total weight of an MD80 consisted of composites, 

the percentage of today’s A380 is 

22 %, of a Boeing 787 50 % and of the 

newest passenger plane, the A350 XWB, 

53 %. FACC is speeding up its investments 

in R&D to be able to keep up with 

this trend and is setting new standards 

with innovations and technologies. Just 

one of many examples is the development 

of a new spoiler with integrated composite 

fittings for the A330/A340 family, which is 

30% lighter than the previous models, and 

will be put to use in the new A350 XWB. 

And so it is not a mere coincidence that in 

2002, FACC is chosen by Airbus as a tier 1 

supplier for their wide body jet. A year later 

Boeing names FACC a member of the international 

development team for the new 

long-range plane Boeing 787. The Brazilian 

company Embraer and the Chinese 

company ACAC become customers for 

the production of interiors, and FACC produces 

fuel-saving winglets for Aviation 

Partners Boeing. Additional production capacity 

has to be created, and so Facility 3 

starts up in Ort im Innkreis in 2005, in 2007 

FACC starts producing nacelle components 

at Facility 4 in Reichersberg. New 

production techniques and processes 

such as laser projection, automated fiber 

placement, RTM, composite tooling, etc. 

are implemented, which increase automation 

and productivity and make FACC, in 

addition to being a development specialist, 

a highly modern, world-class production 

partner. 

Looking Into the Future 

“Dynamic development has been the engine of 

success at FACC from the very beginning – 

whether through trend-setting achievements in 

research, through a constant optimizing of production 

techniques or through our fast reaction to 

market changes. In the course of the decades 

FACC has pressed ahead with the improvement 

of lightweight solutions for the aviation industry. 

In the 20 years of our company’s existence, our 

goals have to the largest extent always been met. 

That still goes for today. Due to economically difficult 

conditions, the path that lies before us is 

paved with great challenges. However, I am convinced 

that our company will master these difficult 

times as well. We take action by approaching 

the expansion of our business with courage, 

determination and the strength of innovation - to 

the benefit of our customers and owners. And 

also to the benefit of our employees to whom I am 

truly grateful, since it is their untiring and high degree 

of commitment that has made this a firstclass 

company. And it is this motivation that 

makes me positive that FACC will also successfully 

meet the challenges of tomorrow.“ 

WALTER STEPHAN, 

Chairman of the Board and CEO 

FACC AG 

2004: ACAC gives FACC the 

contract for the development 

and production of the complete 

passenger cabin for the ARJ21 

2007: Facility 4 Naclles is 

opened in Reichersberg, 

Austria 

2008: The shares owned by the ski manufacturer 

Fischer are taken over by ACC Kooperationen and 

Beteiligungen GmbH. The owners of FACC AG are 

Österreichischen Salinen AG (48.125%), ACC Kooperationen 

und Beteiligungen GmbH (48.125%) 

and Stephan GmbH (3.75%). 

2009: 

FACC is 20 years old. 

1,580 employees, 

264 million euros turnover. 

2004 2005 

2007 2008 2009 

2005: Facility 3 Structures 

is opened in Reichersberg, 

Austria 


Embraer for interior components 

for the Phenom 

100 and Phenom 300 

2009: FACC becomes 

tier 1 supplier for 

the Airbus A350 XWB 

program

Magazin "take off" - Issue 24 - FACC

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