FACC invests €120 million in high-tech Austrian plant to double aerostructures capacity

FACC has announced the construction of a new high-tech manufacturing plant in St. Martin im Innkreis, Upper Austria, representing a total investment of €120 million. The facility, covering 20,000 square metres, will significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities for large structural aircraft components, including elevators and ailerons.

The new plant will effectively double the current aerostructures production capacity at the site and will be directly connected to the existing Plant 3. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, with operations expected to start mid-2028 and full ramp-up completed by the end of 2029.

A key feature of the project is the integration of a dedicated research area focused on developing next-generation manufacturing processes and technologies for future commercial aircraft programmes. This aligns with FACC’s broader investment plan of approximately €350 million in new technologies and global capacity expansion by 2030.

Automation is central to the new facility’s design. The company is deploying advanced manufacturing systems, including artificial intelligence and highly automated processes, to improve efficiency across the entire production chain. These innovations are expected to play a transformative role, particularly in a high-cost industrial environment such as Austria.

Employment growth and strategic positioning

The expansion will also have a significant impact on employment, with FACC planning to recruit up to 300 additional employees at the Upper Austria site by 2030. According to CEO Robert Machtlinger, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to the region and reinforces the company’s position as a strategic partner to global aerospace OEMs.

The decision to expand in St. Martin im Innkreis was driven by several factors, including the availability of a highly skilled workforce, existing R&D infrastructure, and advanced testing facilities. The integration of new and existing production systems is also expected to deliver further efficiency gains.

From a strategic perspective, the project supports FACC’s ambition to scale production for current programmes while positioning itself for next-generation aircraft technologies. The combination of industrial expansion, digitalisation, and workforce development underlines a dual approach: increasing output capacity while enhancing technological competitiveness.

Headquartered in Austria, FACC is a global aerospace company specialising in the design, development and production of advanced lightweight systems and composite components. As a technology partner to major aircraft manufacturers, the company contributes to both commercial aviation and emerging sectors such as passenger and logistics drones.