Swedish aero-engine manufacturer Volvo Aero has completed its acquisition of US forged components supplier Aero-Craft, clearing the way for a planned strategic alliance with forging company Carlton Forge Works and an attack on the lucrative market for engine fan cases.
Aero-Craft, based in Hartford, Connecticut, does about $5 million worth of business a year, mainly supplying large-diameter casings to Carlton Forge Works for use on Pratt &Whitney and General Electric engines.
Volvo already supplies a range of components to the major manufacturers and wanted to break into the fan case market where, says vice-president corporate business development Hasse Nilsson,"there are no dominant players, so we see this as a major growth opportunity".
The deal with Carlton Forge Works required US clearance because Aero-Craft supplies components for US military engines.
Source: Flight International
