News
Safran opens new CAP 2020 industrial campus in Tarnos
February 27, 2020 By Helicopters Staff
Now with 1,550 employees, Tarnos is Safran’s second largest facility. (Photo: Safran) Safran Helicopter Engines on February 21 celebrated the opening of CAP 2020, its new industrial campus in Tarnos, southwest France. Present were Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces, Geneviève Darrieussecq, Secretary of State to the Minister of the Armed Forces, Ross McInnes, Safran Chairman, Philippe Petitcolin, Safran CEO, and Franck Saudo, President of Safran Helicopter Engines.
Launched in September 2015 and after a total investment of €50 million, CAP 2020 represents what Safran describes as a significant upgrade to the Tarnos facility. Now with 1,550 employees, Tarnos is the manufacturer’s second largest facility.
Safran explains Tarnos is mainly dedicated to the support of in-service helicopter engines and MRO (Maintenance Repair & Overhaul) activities. CAP 2020 will act as the hub for the company’s global support network.
This new industrial campus comprises three new buildings with a total footprint of 33,000 m², including: a 8,500 m2 parts and component repair shop, dedicated to MRO of turbines from Safran Helicopter Engines’ worldwide support sites; a 14,500 m2 repair shop for in-service engines; and a 10,000 m2 office building to manage global support and services.
Through optimizing processes and with new industrial capabilities in place at the facility, Safran Helicopter Engines expects to reduce MRO cycles by 30 per cent.
“This new industrial campus complex enables us to welcome our customers to a modern site and offer them the very highest quality of service,” said Franck Saudo. “CAP 2020 also provides our teams with a rejuvenated working environment that will help them realise their full potential. It also further strengthens our bond with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, where more than 1,500 jobs are now guaranteed.”
Safran explains CAP 2020 forms the backbone of the MCO (Maintien en Conditions Opérationnelles) support contract for helicopter engines operated by the French government. For 12 years now, Safran Helicopter Engines has delivered what it describes as 100 per cent serviceability for 1,600 engines operated by France’s armed forces and parapublic services.
