FACC sets up new high-tech plant in Upper Austria

Based on current market forecasts, FACC will continue to grow until 2030. In order to increase production rates for existing projects and to develop new customer projects, around EUR 350 million will be invested in new technologies and the expansion of global locations by 2030. The strategically important location in Upper Austria is now being further expanded: In order to create new capacity for large-scale structural components for passenger aircraft – such as elevators and ailerons – a new high-tech plant is being built in St. Martin im Innkreis on an area of 20,000 m2.

This will double the current production capacity for aerostructures components at this location. The investment will also involve the establishment of a separate research area where manufacturing processes and technologies will be developed for use in the next generation of commercial aircraft. A total of around EUR 120 million will be invested in this project. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, and the new plant, which shall be directly connected to the existing Plant 3, will go into operation in mid-2028. Full expansion shall be completed by the end of 2029.

Demand for 300 new employees at the Upper Austria site

FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger commented: "The newly built plant is a landmark decision: it demonstrates our long-term commitment to Upper Austria and the region. By 2030, 300 new employees will be needed for this expansion alone. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, we will continue to be a strong and innovative partner for our international customers in the production of existing projects and the next generation of passenger aircraft – for which we are already researching the technologies of the future." 

The seamless integration and optimization of the existing production facilities will also further increase efficiency — alongside FACC's highly skilled workforce at the site, this was one of the key reasons behind the decision to build the new plant in Upper Austria. The existing infrastructure in the area of research and development and the extensive testing facilities at the St. Martin im Innkreis site were also decisive factors.

Highly automated production

In setting up its new end-to-end production facility, FACC is relying on a high degree of automation—a fundamental requirement in a high-wage country such as Austria. In particular, the use of artificial intelligence, automated processes, and new product innovations will contribute to greater efficiency throughout the entire manufacturing process and thus act as a game changer. Combined with planned further process optimization and new manufacturing technologies, FACC will continue to expand its position as one of the world's leading aviation companies.