France's Safran pumps €136mil into Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: French aerospace firm Safran Landing Systems is committing €136 million (approximately RM640 million) to expand its production plant in Sendayan and establish a new carbon brake MRO centre in Nilai, both located in Negri Sembilan. The €134 million earmarked for the expansion will complement €2 million set aside for the new MRO centre, which will cater to around 100 airlines across Asia Pacific.

The enhanced facilities will cater to aircraft operated by airlines utilizing Airbus A320, A321, A350, Boeing 737, 777, and 787, as well as ATR aircraft.

The Sendayan expansion will increase manufacturing space by 7,000 square metres, incorporating a new textile production line, carbonisation furnaces, and advanced machining equipment. Currently employing 160 individuals, the facility is projected to double its carbon brake disc production capacity by 2028. The 1,000-square-metre MRO centre in Nilai, situated near Kuala Lumpur International Airport and approximately 20km from the Sendayan plant, will receive new and refurbished carbon brake discs from the former.

Safran Landing Systems CEO François Bastin highlighted how these investments underscore Malaysia's strategic importance to the group's worldwide industrial operations and the company's dedication to fostering growth within the region. Upon completion, Safran's Malaysian workforce is set to reach 220 employees by 2030 across its manufacturing and MRO operations, bolstering local expertise in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance services.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid noted that these investments underscore Safran's confidence in Malaysia's aerospace industry. He emphasized that the expansion would generate long-term economic value, foster high-skilled employment and reinforce the country's aerospace capabilities.

Safran has been active in Malaysia for over five decades, evolving from supply and servicing to manufacturing and now MRO operations. In terms of sustainability, Safran's Sendayan facility has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from 2018 to 2025 by leveraging lower-carbon local energy sources and recovering process gases. Further emissions reductions are anticipated by 2030 through the deployment of additional sustainable energy capacity.

The investments are part of Safran Landing Systems' broader strategy to reinforce its Asia Pacific footprint, following the inauguration of an expanded landing gear MRO facility in Singapore in September 2026.