Tripling of production area: groundbreaking ceremony for plant expansion in Croatia

The groundbreaking ceremony for  FACC plant expansion in Croatia took place. The production area of the plant for manufacturing high-tech components for cabin interiors, which opened in 2022, will be tripled and an additional office building constructed. The construction work will be completed in June 2024, and the workforce will almost triple to 600 employees by the end of 2026. FACC AG is investing € 21 million in the expansion of the site in Croatia.

FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger, commented: “FACC is a leading aerospace company and a well-established partner to the global aerospace industry. Based on many factors, we decided to set up the largest non-Austrian production site here, a decision that was right. At the 2022 opening, we already announced a plan to further expand the facilty soon, I am very happy that we are now in the execution phase of this significant FACC milestone.” 

Andreas Ockel, COO FACC confirmed growing importance of this site to FACC’ production network:"With the expansion of our capacities at the site in Croatia, we are setting new standards with a plant that meets the most modern standards. Particularly due to the excellently trained skilled workers on site and the very good connection to the group headquarters, this location is very attractive for us.” 

Davor Filipović, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Croatia, stated: “FACC's agility in implementing the first part of the investment and the start of a new construction phase, which will triple the production area of the Jakovlje plant, ultimately resulting in higher production volumes and the hiring of hundreds of employees, signals that Croatia is becoming a more attractive investment destination by the day. This provides an additional impetus for the government of the Republic of Croatia to continue the processes that position Croatia as a reliable partner for investors. I particularly welcome FACC's plans that go in the direction of decarbonization and sustainable development." 

Sustainable production

A new PV system in pipeline covering an area of 2,000 m2 will provide around two thirds of the annual energy consumption currently required and thus make a significant contribution to sustainable production. A further expansion is already being planned. FACC already relies on an energy mix of photovoltaics, geothermal energy and electricity from hydropower to cover its energy needs at its sites in Austria.

State-of-the-art equipment

In expanding the new plant, FACC is also relying on a high degree of automation and state-of-the-art machinery for the production of lightweight components for passenger aircraft and business jets. This includes a fully automated paint shop as well as high-precision manufacturing equipment, which will enable faster ramp-up processes and higher quantities in the future. In the office building, which was also constructed, specialists from the areas of IT, engineering and purchasing will support on-site production as well as FACC's central functions. In total, the site will be expanded by around 12,500 m2.