The finish of most metallic aeroplane components consists of paint coating. Paint coating systems are part of the key surface technologies of the aviation industry. Thanks to its broad range of application methods for aluminium, steel, PVC and composite material components, its broad and extensive expertise, its high quality standards and over 100 certificates, Avia Peintures is well established in the French aviation market. The innovative MCAC technology used by Avia Peintures – a replacement system for cadmium – and high-end paint coating systems are key technologies for a number of growth markets.
Leading technological competence and top quality
The integration of Avia Peintures into the strategic Hartchrom Aeronautics France business unit closes a technological gap and makes a critical contribution to the development of STI | Hartchrom into a single-source supplier also in the field of aeronautics. The strategic orientation in this business sector focuses on establishing a leading position with respect to technology and quality. Not only does STI | Hart¬chrom continuously expand its technological range and competence, but it also develops the range of its services along the value-creation chain in a sustainable way. Through the comprehensive mastery of processes for all applications, STI | Hartchrom secures seamless access to top quality for the industry, and safety for man and the environment, which are crucial strategic and competitive factors for customers. This is also the reason why STI | Hartchrom is in the process of building, at top speed, a state-of-the-art production facility in the Chinese city of Changshu in the Shanghai region. This will be ready for production in the winter of 2011/2012.
High-end surface solutions worldwide
With Avia Peintures, STI | Hartchrom now has more than 13 subsidiaries and eight production facilities in Switzerland, Germany, the USA, France and now also in China. STI | Hartchrom's range of services covers a number of different hard chrome surface treatment technologies, thermal spray technology, electroless nickel coating, various special processes and hybrid solutions through to comprehensive machining of components up to 6 m diameter, 27 m length and 64 t in weight. STI | Hartchrom provides surface treatment of components for the paper, printing, film, foil, textile, food, automotive and aviation industries as well as for engine manufacturing, shipping, general plant engineering and defense technology, all with top quality and precision.
STI | Hartchrom is a leading surface treatment group in its core sectors and a subsidiary of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, headquartered in Arbon, Switzerland. AFG is a company quoted on the SIX Swiss Exchange with important positions in integrated construction equipment and selected techno¬logy sectors. AFG has about 50 production and distribution companies worldwide and is represented by agencies and partners in over 70 countries. AFG's key brands are Kermi, Arbonia, Prolux, ASCO Swiss, Aqualux, Forster Kitchens, Forster Refrigeration, Piatti, Warendorf, EgoKiefer, RWD Schlatter, Slovaktual, Forster Precision Steel Tubes, Forster Profile Systems, STI | Hart¬chrom and Asta. In the 2010 business year, AFG achieved sales of CHF 1413.5 million and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of CHF 47.5 million, and employed a workforce of about 5,800.
________________________________________________________________
For further information:
STI | Hartchrom Aeronautics France
Pierre Aubert
Geschäftsführer
BP 17
ZI Le Touya
FR-64260 Arudy
T +33 559 05 58 50
F +33 559 05 64 96
pierre.aubert@hartchrom.com
