Safran Opens Titanium Compressor Blade Plant in Belgium to Boost Engine Supply Chain

Safran titanium blade

Strategic Investment Enhances Aerospace Manufacturing Capacity

Safran has inaugurated a new titanium compressor blade plant in Marchin, Belgium, to reinforce its engine supply chain resilience. The facility is part of Safran Blades, a partnership between Safran Aero Boosters and Belgian federal and Walloon authorities, representing a €108mn investment. Safran holds a 56% stake, Wallonie Entreprendre owns 28%, and Belgian Federal Holding and Investment has 16%.

The 10,000m² plant will produce 700,000 titanium compressor blades annually. These blades are integral to GE Aerospace’s GEnx engine, which powers Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, and the LEAP engine by CFM International, a joint venture between Safran and GE Aerospace. Safran also manufactures the low-pressure compressor modules for both programs.

The facility is located on a former ArcelorMittal steel site, closed permanently in 2013. The opening comes as demand for narrow-body jet engines like the LEAP rises due to higher production rates for Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. While wide-body programmes such as the 787 are still recovering from supply chain constraints, demand is projected to strengthen over the next few years.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Safran’s investment underscores a strategic shift toward securing titanium component production within Europe’s aerospace sector. As titanium remains critical for high-performance engine parts, localized capacity reduces dependency on global supply chains and strengthens long-term competitiveness in the face of rising demand.