Safran Opens New Belgium Plant to Produce Titanium Aircraft Engine Blades

Safran has officially inaugurated Safran Blades, a new manufacturing facility in Marchin, in the Province of Liège, Belgium, dedicated to producing titanium compressor blades for aircraft engines.

The plant, which spans 10,000 square meters, was built on a restored site formerly used by the steel industry.

With an investment of €108 million, the plant aims to produce 700,000 compressor blades per year by 2026. These titanium components are essential to engine performance and are used in large quantities in every aircraft engine. Production will support LEAP1 and GEnx engines, which power Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

The site was developed in partnership with the Walloon and Belgian federal authorities. Wallonie Entreprendre holds a 28% stake, while the Belgian Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM) holds 16%. Safran Aero Boosters holds the majority share at 56%.

Designed as a Factory 4.0, the facility incorporates automation, robotics, AI, and connected systems to optimize output and reduce production margins of error. All operations are digitized and supported by patented manufacturing processes. These innovations contributed to the plant’s selection as one of Belgium’s most innovative firms in 2025 under the “Factory of the Future” label by Agoria.

Safran Blades will eventually employ 150 workers and aims to produce one blade every 20 seconds.