FACC sets up a high-tech composite facility in Croatia

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  • Total investment of EUR 30 million will create up to 600 qualified jobs
  • Production in Croatia to begin in 2021
  • Another important step in FACC’s globalization strategy

FACC, the leading Austrian and globally active technology partner of the global aerospace industry, is taking a further important step in its globalization strategy with investments of around 30 million euros in a new production facility in Croatia. The plans for the set-up of the new facility were announced today in the presence of Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Darko Horvat, Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Crafts. Construction is scheduled to start this year. As a 100% subsidiary of FACC, this new production facility will manufacture lightweight cabin components for commercial and business aircraft using state-of-the-art fiber composite technology.

"FACC benefits from the strong growth in the aviation industry. As a global player in the composite sector, FACC has been growing faster than the market over the first 30 years of its existence. In line with overall market requirements and customer demands, we are continuously enlarging our manufacturing capacities," says FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger. “Today, we are pleased to announce our plans to invest in this new and leading-edge technology facility, with which we will further expand our already large global presence. This expansion represents a strategic investment for our company, and we are confident that the FACC Croatia Production Center of Competence will substantially contribute to our corporate strategy of quality and efficiency leadership. This green field investment offers us the opportunity to set up a best-in-class aerospace facility, implementing leading-edge technology, automation and Industry 4.0 methods."

Turnkey Solutions “Made in Croatia”

FACC selected Jakovlje in the Zagreb district in Croatia as the location for the new facility following a highly competitive site selection process. Croatia’s established industry, the proximity to FACC’s Austrian facilities and its highly trained, technically skilled workforce were also decisive factors in the company’s decision to make Croatia a partner in its growth strategy.

With the new 12,200 square meter facility, FACC is further expanding its global footprint and creating the capacity required to meet customer demand for high-performance, high-value FACC products. In addition, it puts FACC in a strong position to profit from the economic growth in the aerospace industry. The new FACC manufacturing facility is expected to start production by March 2021. Once fully operational, it will employ more than 600 people. The project is representative of the creation of a new innovative business sector in Croatia’s aerospace industry that supports the local economy and Croatian sub-suppliers and strengthens the country’s export quota. FACC plans to invest in the training of the Croatian staff and intends to establish a dual training system for aviation professions together with technical schools, thereby demonstrating economic, societal and social commitment in the region.