François Lepot, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Aero Boosters, today announced the creation of a new subsidiary: Safran Booster Components, located in Wallonia in Welkenraedt. This announcement, made in the presence of Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment, contributes to Wallonia’s reindustrialization efforts.
The new industrial site will manufacture aircraft engine compressor components, thereby strengthening Safran Aero Boosters’ position in its field of excellence and in its region. The project, representing an investment of €125 million, was made possible through a strong partnership with Walloon and Belgian federal public authorities, Wallonie Entreprendre (33%) and the Belgian Federal Holding and Investment Company – SFPIM (11%), both shareholders alongside Safran Aero Boosters (56%).
This decision comes at a time of strong acceleration in global demand across several civil aircraft programs. Production rates for LEAP (Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus A320neo and COMAC C919), GEnx (Boeing 787) and GE9X (Boeing 777X) engines are set to increase significantly in the coming years. To support this acceleration, Safran is strengthening its industrial capacity, notably by duplicating production sources to prevent any supply disruptions, thereby meeting the expectations of its main customers, Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
This new facility complements Safran Aero Boosters’ existing industrial ecosystem. Together, the Milmort, Liers, Marchin and Welkenraedt sites will support Safran’s sustainable growth while securing its global supply chain.
This activity, which will be operational in 2028, will be housed in an 18,000 m² building previously occupied by Copeland, which is currently in the process of gradually winding down its operations at this site.
This choice enables the reuse of existing infrastructure, without any additional land take.
The future plant will incorporate Safran’s best industrial technologies in terms of production, digitalization and robotics, in order to meet the most demanding global standards. It will also contribute to the creation of approximately 100 jobs.
"With this new facility in Wallonia, Safran Aero Boosters is equipping itself with the capacities required to support the ramp-up announced on several strategic engine programs. This plant will enable us to secure our supplies and anticipate our customers’ needs. With this investment, supported by committed public partners, we are sustainably strengthening our global leadership." said François Lepot, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Aero Boosters
"Wallonia fully supports this project in a key sector of our industrial policy. It will create around one hundred jobs and drive economic development. This investment strengthens our industrial sovereignty and clearly demonstrates the reindustrialization potential of our region. In a demanding international context, Safran Aero Boosters perfectly illustrates the importance of innovation and research in remaining competitive in a constantly evolving world. Finally, this new plant will also breathe new life into an existing industrial site formerly occupied by Copeland, helping to revive the local ecosystem." said Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment
National Harbor, MD
May 27 - 28, 2026
