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.

PyroGenesis Gains Second Aerospace Order for Titanium Powder

PyroGenesis

Montreal-based PyroGenesis Canada, known for its advanced plasma processes, has secured a second order for titanium metal powder from a Spanish aerospace client for use in additive manufacturing. The client, who specializes in advanced aeronautics technologies for the European aerospace industry, had previously placed an order in April. This repeat order may lead to a long-term contract with PyroGenesis.

After terminating its distribution agreement with French alloy producer Aubert & Duval, PyroGenesis is now directly selling its metal powders to European customers. The company is also negotiating with other European clients interested in its titanium powder for additive manufacturing.

Earlier this month, a global aerospace original equipment manufacturer notified PyroGenesis that its Ti-6Al-4V titanium-vanadium alloy coarse powder has been approved for its supplier list. The powder, with a size range of 45-150µm, is typically used in additive manufacturing applications such as electron beam melting and direct energy deposition.

Titanium Imports from Russia Persist as Airbus Diversifies to US Supply

Titanium

China Surge and EU Dependence

Titanium imports from Russia continue in 2025 despite geopolitical pressure. China’s intake from Russia hit unprecedented levels. Imports reached 4,627t in January–June, more than triple 2024’s first half. Bars, rods, and shapes led the flow, followed by plate and sheet. However, less than a third stayed in China, according to estimates. Therefore, re-exports or indirect flows likely expanded. Europe’s OEMs still buy from VSMPO-Avisma while building alternatives. Meanwhile, the EU has not sanctioned VSMPO directly, preserving legal pathways.

Titanium imports from Russia also serve China’s aerospace and maritime supply chains. China still needs select external components for the C919 program. Medical implants and maritime uses also draw on Russian feedstock. Therefore, China’s vast domestic capability still has gaps. End-destinations remain hard to track through customs data. Tirus subsidiaries add complexity across the UK, Germany, the US, and China. As a result, compliance checks burden banks and Western buyers.

Airbus Diversifies and Closes the Loop

Titanium imports from Russia continue in Europe, but Airbus is hedging. France’s intake from Russia hit a record in 2024. First-half 2025 volumes rose 37% year on year. However, Airbus signed a five-year, $1bn ATI deal in May. The pact more than doubles ATI’s supply of plate, sheet, and billet. French imports from the US also reached a first-half record. Two-thirds were flat-rolled products, signaling procurement rebalancing.

Scrap loop initiatives strengthen strategic titanium independence. Airbus collected 460t of scrap in France by January 2025. EcoTitanium melts ingots with up to 75% scrap content. Ingots then feed Aubert & Duval for forged parts. Therefore, Airbus programs gain secure, lower-risk supply. Meanwhile, Premium AEROTEC scrap will enter a closed loop in Germany. This effort reduces prime sponge exposure and transport risks.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Airbus’s pivot to US flat-rolled supply marks a structural shift. Yet Europe still lacks large forgings and rolling capacity. Expect long lead times, higher capex, and tighter scrap control to shape titanium pricing.