French aerostructures specialist Latécoère has unveiled Transformation 2020, its strategic project to prepare for the next cycle of new aircraft programmes expected over the period 2020-2025. The company says the project — part of the Boost plan launched in 2014 — aims to boost competitiveness and adapt to the needs of its aerospace industry customers within an increasingly demanding competitive ecosystem.

Commenting on the project, Latécoère CEO Frédéric Michelland said: "This plan is destined to equip the Group with a robust industrial model and investment programme allowing it to reposition itself within higher value-added segments.”

Over the 2017-2021 period, Latécoère is expected to devote nearly €100m to manufacturing investments and to double resources for its R&T projects. The Group is studying a possible disposal of Latécoère Services, though no decision has been made to date.

Adaptation of the Group's industrial model would entail:

•  reinforcing the Gimont and Liposthey plants;
•  creating a new production site near the Group's Toulouse headquarters, representing an investment of approximately €20m;
•  a new facility in Bulgaria to host light, low-added value assembly operations;
•  continuing international development involving the transfer of some activities closer to customers and reducing flows between sites.