Pilatus opens new competence center for composite materials

Pilatus, the aircraft manufacturer based in Stans in the Swiss canton of Nidwalden, has commenced operations at a new competence center for fiber-reinforced plastic components, also known as composites. The new building is named “Schwarzhorn” and is also located in Nidwalden. In future, it will offer jobs for around 300 employees. According to a statement, the facility brings together the development and production of fiber-reinforced plastic components under one roof for the first time.

Pilatus has been using fiber-reinforced plastics for non-load-bearing secondary structures for more than 40 years. “The PC-24 Super Versatile Jet marks a departure from this in that composite materials are now used for primary structural components as well”, as Pilatus writes in the statement. Moreover, the company is planning to further expand the use of composites moving forwards.

The competence center takes its name from a Swiss mountain and the color of the load-bearing composite components. It integrates all process steps, including the delivery and storage of raw materials, component manufacturing, sub-assembly and surface treatment, as well as order picking. Pilatus supplies the components directly to final assembly as finished kits. The production areas also offer the potential for further automation of manufacturing steps in the future. Additionally, the building features photovoltaic systems on the roof and façade and utilizes process waste heat and groundwater for heating and cooling to reduce the energy requirement from external sources.

“With this building, Pilatus is once again reaffirming its commitment to Switzerland as a place of innovation, manufacturing, and training – and to our sustainable development here at our home base, where our roots lie”, as Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher explains in the statement, adding that: “Costing 100 million Swiss francs, this building is the most expensive facility we have invested in to date”. ce/nta