Airbus and its parent company EADS have signed a procurement frame contract with Southwest Aluminium (Group) Co., Ltd. (SWA), one of the largest aluminium product producers in China, for the manufacture and supply of aluminium plate. EADS’ sourcing strategy aims to develop a truly global supply chain that will enable the Group to create a more competitive cost base and provide natural hedging while gaining access to strategic markets in Asia. To drive this business transformation, EADS’ Global Sourcing Network supports Airbus to identify new potential partners around the world that can meet its quality standards and optimize its existing industrial assets.
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aluminium is of utmost importance in the production of airplanes as it is used in many different parts of an aircraft such as fuselage panels and frames, floor beams, and wing spars/ribs. SWA’s aluminium products will initially supply both Airbus’ single-aisle and long-range families, and the contract could be extended to other programmes in the future.
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Airbus signs aluminium contract with China - Pilot Magazin