FACC to triple Croatia facility production space in 2024

FACC AG (Ried im Innkreis, Austria) has announced that its Jakovlje, Croatia, facility for the manufacture of lightweight, high-tech components for cabin interiors, completed in March 2022, is going to be tripled in size to nearly 12,500 square meters, which includes the production area and the construction of an additional office building. Construction will be completed in June 2024 and the workforce will triple to almost 600 employees by the end of 2026. FACC AG is investing €21 million in the site expansion.

“FACC is a well-established partner to the global aerospace industry,” FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger says. “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 [had] already announced a plan to further expand the facility, so I am happy that we are now in the execution phase of this significant FACC milestone.”

According to Andreas Ockel, COO of FACC, the plant will meet modern standards. He confirms the growing importance of this site to FACC’s production network, particularly in proximity to group headquarters and the well-trained skilled workers on-site.

Davor Filipović, minister of economy and sustainable development of the Republic of Croatia, notes that FACC’s plans also underpin its intentions for decarbonization and sustainable development. A new photovoltaic system system will cover 2000 square meters, providing around two thirds of the annual energy consumption currently required by the facility. 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.

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 to be constructed, IT, engineering and purchasing specialists will support on-site production as well as FACC’s central functions.

For related content, read “FACC wins Austria’s 2023 Innovation Award.”