Polish manufacturers developing component and assembly business

Published: 6/28/1999

The stand of PZL-Hydral was visited by French President Jacques Chirac at the opening of the Paris Air Show on Saturday June 12th 1999, due to its close relations with SNECMA of France. Hydral was exhibiting the FADEC unit it has developed in association with French partner for Sokol multipurpose helicopter. Unit is currently under test at the Rzeszow facility in Poland order to evaluate for operational tests. According to President Adam Mlynczak of PZL-Hydral, company will try to develop its product for other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. This type of so-operation seems to be playing a significant role in the future strategy of many Polish aerospace companies aimed at using their high quality production capacity in the production of precision-manufactured components for or in joint venture with third parties. Engine and reduction gears manufacturer WSK PZL-Rzeszow, has been looking for more subcontract work in the lead-up to its privatisation. A contract was signed with Hispano-Suiza on June 14th 1999 under which Rzeszow will become the sole source supplier of gears for accessory gearboxes manufactured by Hispano-Suiza for the BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 and BR 715 turbofan engines. The contract ensures Rzeszow of collaboration for next three years and $1 million.This is second contract between the two companies, with the other covering the supply of CFM-56-7 gearbox spur gears. Rzeszow has focussed on four areas which it has declared should be the company's centres of excellence including stators, rotors, blades and vanes, fabricated sheet metal, gears, casings and shafts. In these areas the company has access to semi-finished products from the company's own capability in advanced casting and forging technologies. Rzeszow is also looking to broaden this level of capability by using its privatisation process to secure complimentary strategic investors, rather than the more conventional listing or trade sale. SNECMA is considered to be one of the leading contenders for taking such a role.

Article ID: 629