It was in Bangalore, a metropolis of 13 million inhabitants in southern India, where Lauak decided to live his Indian adventure. The Basque aeronautical subcontractor inaugurated its subsidiary Lauak India this summer in this city known for its computer companies, but which is also an important aeronautical center in this immense market that is India for civil aviation.
The Indian companies Air India and IndiGo, at the beginning of 2023, placed massive orders, never before seen in the sector, from Boeing and Airbus (A320 and A350): in total about 500 aircraft each, which will be delivered between 2030 and 2035. Under Indian law, some of the parts needed for these aircraft must be machined in India. An opportunity that Lauak, one of Airbus’ main subcontractors, took advantage of. This group, located near Bayonne (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), employs 1,850 people in its boilermaking, sheet metal and aeronautical assembly activities, and plans to close 2024 with consolidated sales of at least 190 million euros.
“Our presence in India began in 2019says Mikel Charritton, co-director of Lauak. During this first step, we formed a joint venture, Lauak Cimtools Aerospace (LCA), with a local partner, Cimtools. Through LCA, we focus on the machining of boiler and welding parts, with Airbus having several client companies in the subcontinent. » A choice that corresponds to the international strategy of the Basque company present, in addition to Europe, in Mexico and Canada.
Hasparren is and remains the birthplace of Lauak
In August, the plan took shape and the company decided to stand on its own: Lauak acquired 100% of the shares of its Indian subsidiary, while its partner Cimtools was bought by the Indian group Motherson, focused on the automotive industry. . “There is no problem with the authorities, since it is not military.Mr. Charritton specifiesand therefore we are accelerating the march of Lauak India. »
At the Sez Park aeronautical center near the Bangalore airport, a welding and boilermaking facility is being expanded and developed by 2025, which, after the phases of equipping for working hard metals, training, management and investments, will include assembly, in ultimately, with 200 people. Next to the black and white Lauak building, around fifty companies, Indian or foreign, have chosen this center. For example, Hindustan Aeronautics, which at the end of August signed an agreement with Safran: together they will develop the Aravalli engine, which will equip helicopters.
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