Saab, India Partner To Jointly Manufacture, Supply Aero Structures

Saab and India-based QuEST Global Manufacturing have established a joint venture to manufacture and supply assemblies for the commercial aero structures market. The joint venture, in which Saab holds 26% ownership, will further strengthen Saab’s position in the commercial aero structures market as well as increase Saab’s presence in India. According to a statement issued by the company, Saab aims to grow its commercial aero structures operations, through new and existing businesses. The partnership with QuEST Global enables Saab to leverage QuEST Global’s manufacturing strengths and high knowledge in machining, helping Saab remain competitive in a global market. “We anticipate increased production rates during the coming years. This partnership will provide a cost-efficient and reliable source of assemblies acting as a complement to Saab’s in-house manufacturing. This is a long-term commitment in a strategically important market for Saab and it further establishes Saab as a global actor in the commercial aero structures market,” says Lars Jensen, Vice President, Finance and Programs within the aero structures unit of Saab’s business area Aeronautics. With the establishment of the joint venture, Saab continues to deliver on the strategic goal to strengthen its presence in India in order to achieve profitable growth. The new company will be located in Belgaum, Karnataka, India where QuEST Global has developed a fully operational Special Economic Zone, SEZ, and where QuEST Global Manufacturing’s operations are located. Facilities for the joint venture will be built during 2013. Aravind Melligeri, Co-Founder and Chairman of QuEST Global, said, “This joint venture with Saab represents a major step towards the further development of our aerospace ecosystem within the SEZ at Belgaum. It is a strategic element in offering our aerospace customers a full range of manufacturing supply chain solutions while achieving QuEST Global Manufacturing’s growth objectives through 2016 and beyond. We look forward to a long and prosperous endeavour with Saab”.