Aerospace firm Safran has started construction on a new aircraft carbon brake plant in Feyzin, near Lyon, France.

Construction of the new plant will enable Safran to strengthen the production capacity of its landing and braking system specialist Safran Landing Systems.

Carbon brakes are currently produced at the company’s facilities in Villeurbanne near Lyon; its global research centre for friction materials in Kentucky, US; and its site in Sendayan, Malaysia.

Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin said: “It will be a truly world-class production facility because of the innovative technologies used while also setting a new standard in environmental-friendliness.

“In the Lyon region, we enjoy one of the most dynamic industrial ecosystems in France, and we will eventually be adding up to 200 new employees at this plant.”

The new facility will feature the full range of ‘Factory 4.0’ technologies developed by Safran, thereby reducing energy and water consumption, as well as increase the use of other renewable sources.

In addition to the new plant, Safran is launching a major research and technology programme in collaboration with laboratories, universities and other small businesses in the region. It will be supported by the federal and local governments.

Safran Landing Systems CEO Jean-Paul Alary said: “Carbon brakes by Safran are already used on more than 10,000 airplanes deployed by some 500 airlines worldwide.

“With this new plant in Feyzin, Safran Landing Systems will consolidate its world leadership in carbon brakes and also address growing demand, driven by sustained growth in air traffic around the world.

“Our new plant will feature an innovative modular design, allowing it to develop in line with market requirements over the coming decades.”

This February, the company announced its plans to construct a new plant in Hyderabad, India, to make parts for the LEAP turbofan engine.

It also announced the name of its new 50:50 joint venture (JV) with Boeing, which will design, build and service auxiliary power units (APUs).