India-based aircraft component maker Aequs has signed an agreement with All Metal Services (AMS) to establish an aerospace materials and applications production facility in Belgaum, Karnataka.

As part of Aequs Special Economic Zone (SEZ) expansion initiative, the new facility will provide several metals, such as titanium, aluminium and steel in various forms, including plate, sheet and tube, as well as associated processing services to aerospace industry.

The 35,000ft² facility is scheduled to be operational by the first quarter of next year. Upon completion, regional customers are expected to get speciality materials and processing services locally.

"We look forward to providing the highest quality materials and services to the important and growing Indian aerospace market."

Aequs noted that aerospace companies are currently sourcing material from the US and Europe.

Aequs chairman and CEO Aravind Melligeri said: "This addition of the AMS facility at Aequs SEZ is a significant step towards increasing the in-country, value add for the aerospace industry.

"With this addition, we will have 21 operating units in total and over 600,000ft² of manufacturing space within the SEZ."

Started in 2009, Aequs SEZ (erstwhile QuEST Global SEZ) is India’s first notified precision engineering special economic zone.

Aequs SEZ is spanning across an area of more than 250 acres in Belgaum.

AMS managing director Terry Stocker said: "We look forward to providing the highest quality materials and services to the important and growing Indian aerospace market."