Safran Aircraft Engines will acquire a new 30,000 metric ton hydraulic press to manufacture strategic parts for commercial and military aircraft engines.
On April 13, 2026, Safran said the new ultra-heavy machinery will support the ramp-up of the CFM International LEAP engines as well as military engines for the Rafale, Mirage and A400M.
The upgrade in Safran’s forging capabilities involves a $175 million (€150 million) investment and will create 130 jobs from 2026. The new hydraulic press will be operational by 2029.
Safran estimated that at full production the new press will produce 14,000 aircraft parts per year.
Safran, which jointly owns CFM International with GE Aerospace, believes that the expansion of the Gennevilliers site’s activities will see production almost double by 2035 across all engine families.
The CFM International LEAP engine powers the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, the two most widely purchased commercial aircraft types.
Any attempts to widen aircraft engine production will be hugely welcomed by the aviation industry with the availability of engines and parts viewed as a significant pain point for many stakeholders.
GE Aerospace engines such as the GE90 for the Boeing 777 will also benefit from the upgraded machinery. It will also enable the manufacture of large parts for future civil aircraft engine programs requiring a high-tonnage press.
“We’re proud to announce this major investment to support the strong growth of our commercial and military businesses,” said Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. “This project will strengthen our unique expertise in forging processes and contribute to our industrial and technological sovereignty. It rounds out the recent investments made in Rennes and Le Creusot to develop our supply chain in France and ensure our resilience, especially for military engine parts.”
