Aubert & Duval Secures €51.1mn to Boost Titanium Forging Capacity

Aubert & Duval

French aerospace forging capacity expands amid supply chain realignment

Aubert & Duval forging press investment has gained strong state support through a €51.1 million loan to upgrade France’s aerospace manufacturing capacity. Backed by Crédit Agricole CIB and the French state’s Strategic Project Guarantee, this financing will fund a new 6,000-ton press at A&D’s Pamiers site.

Strategic upgrade to reduce dependence on Russian forgings

The new forging press, scheduled for commissioning in 2027, will replace the aging Schloemann press. It will enable Aubert & Duval to produce large aerospace components including landing gear, engine disks, and structural titanium parts. This expansion is a critical step toward reducing Europe’s reliance on Russia’s VSMPO-Avisma, which previously dominated large titanium forgings in the region.

Press acquisition supports reshoring and supply chain resilience

A&D signed a €75 million purchase agreement with Germany’s SMS Group in January 2024. The move comes after Airbus, Safran, and Tikehau Capital acquired A&D from Eramet in 2023 to reinforce Europe's titanium supply chain. However, despite this progress, Europe still lacks large-scale forging capabilities above 60,000 tons and flat rolling infrastructure—two major bottlenecks in the downstream titanium value chain.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aubert & Duval’s forging press investment signals Europe’s serious intent to restore industrial sovereignty in titanium. While it won’t close the capability gap entirely, it strengthens aerospace supply chains at a time when geopolitical risks demand domestic resilience.