Southwest Aluminum (SWA), a china-based aluminum product producer, signs procurement frame agreement with EADS, and its subsidiary, Airbus.
Under the terms of the agreement, SWA will manufacture and supply aluminum plate for Airbus’ aircraft production. Initially, the company will deliver products for a single-aisle as well as long-range families of airplanes. Later, the contract might be extended for future programmes.
Global Sourcing Network of EADS helps Airbus to discover new qualified suppliers in order to expand industrial assets, as well as to meet quality standards. EADS and Airbus selects SWA for high-quality aluminum products. Aluminum now plays a major role in aircraft production. It is used in several parts such as wing spars, fuselage panels, frames and floor beams.
SWA’s CEO, Li Fengyi quotes that the company is proud of being selected by a leading aircraft manufacturer as a preferred supplier. He also says that the company will supply high-quality aluminum products at competitive rates.
Thus Airbus will source aluminum directly from China rather than getting it delivered from western suppliers. Over the years, the cooperation between Chinese aviation industry and Airbus has grown widely. The value of the industrial cooperation attained US$ 206 million in 2010 and it is expected to grow to half a billion US$ in 2015.
Source: http://www.airbus.com/