The new plant will be called Strata. Construction of phase one – a-state-of-the-art 21 600 m2 facility – will start on 29 June 2009. Manufacturing of advanced composite aerostructures is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. Subsequent phases of expansion are planned to provide a total facility in excess of 60 000m² over the next few years.
Strata has formed industrial partnerships with aerospace companies EADS, Airbus, FACC and Alenia Aeronautica (a Finmeccanica company) through which composite aerostructure manufacturing programmes will be established in the new plant. Initial contracts with these partners carrying a total value in excess of US$2 billion have already been finalised. The plant will manufacture advanced composite aerostructures, including flap track fairings, ailerons, spoilers and assemblies for Airbus aircraft and the empennage for the ATR Regional Aircraft (a joint venture between EADS and Finmeccanica).
Mubadala says that initially the facility will focus on manufacturing composite components and assemblies, in conjunction with its partners. Strata will progressively build capabilities that include engineering, design, and research and development.
Ross Bradley, the former Farnborough Aerospace Consortium chief executive who joined Mubadala Aerospace in October 2008, is CEO of Strata.
"This investment in establishing a market leading advanced aerostructures facility will support the demands of current and future generations of commercial aircraft," says Bradley. "Strata will supply highly competitive products and services to the global aerospace industry, supporting the establishment of Abu Dhabi as a major aerospace centre."
Strata will provide over 500 employment opportunities between 2010 and 2014. The number of jobs will rise to over 1000 by 2020.
Mubadala Development Company is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its focus is on developing and managing a diverse portfolio of commercial initiatives, either independently or in partnership with leading international organisations. Mubadala’s sole shareholder is the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The development of an international aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi is a key element of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.