Canadian Airbus Helicopters Composite Center Satisfies Global Requirements for Airbus Components
Airbus Helicopters' Composite Shop Center of Excellence in Fort Erie Shines Brightly
Nestled in the heart of Fort Erie, Canada, the Composites Shop Center of Excellence at Airbus Helicopters stands as a beacon of advanced manufacturing and innovation. This facility plays a pivotal role in the production of various Airbus helicopter models worldwide, specializing in the intricate process of composite manufacturing.
The center's expertise and manufacturing capabilities are integral to the airframes and structures of multiple Airbus helicopter models, contributing significantly to the overall quality and competitiveness of Airbus helicopter products. By leveraging advanced technologies and materials expertise, the Fort Erie facility supports Airbus Helicopters' global supply chain, ensuring that composite parts meet stringent standards for performance, durability, and safety.
The composite manufacturing process at the center begins in the cutting room, where a team of technicians prepare pre-impregnated kits. A group of technicians then lay up specific materials in molds, followed by the addition of honeycomb core and additional plies of material. This meticulous layup process requires high attention to detail and great dexterity.
The composite parts manufactured in the Ontario-based facility are used in eight different helicopter types: H125, H130, H135, H145, H155, H160, H215, and H225. These parts continue their journey through the composite workshop, autoclave, paint department, and are then prepared for delivery.
At the heart of this operation is Krista Bauer, the leader of the Composite Department. Bauer, a 23-year Airbus employee, started as a Layup Technician in 2001 and was appointed Supervisor in 2012. Her management style focuses on creating a welcoming and positive environment that fosters growth and learning, aligning with Airbus' values of teamwork and inclusive workspaces. Bauer's approachability and shared history with her team have earned her the respect and trust of her colleagues.
The Composite Department at the Fort Erie facility accounts for nearly half of the 138,000 square foot production site. The department is composed of a focused, detail-oriented team of 33 individuals, 73% of whom are female. Approximately 370 composite parts move through this process per month at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Fort Erie.
Bauer emphasizes the importance of focusing on their jobs because their helicopters save lives. Her team takes pride in their role in creating efficient and reliable helicopters that support customers worldwide. The close-knit team atmosphere at Airbus, as highlighted by Bauer, provides opportunities for travel to plants in France and Germany, fostering a global sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
In summary, the Composites Shop Center of Excellence at Airbus Helicopters in Fort Erie is a vital part of the global Airbus helicopter production network. Its advanced composite manufacturing processes contribute to the creation of helicopters that support customers globally, enhancing Airbus Helicopters' competitive edge by integrating advanced composite technologies within its global production strategy. The center's commitment to quality, innovation, and teamwork is evident in every composite part it produces, ensuring that Airbus continues to deliver world-class helicopters to its customers.
The Composites Shop Center of Excellence at Airbus Helicopters in Fort Erie, with its focus on advanced manufacturing, contributes significantly to the health-and-wellness sector, as it produces components for various helicopter models that ensure safe and efficient transportation. The facility's expertise in composite manufacturing also aligns well with the science industry, leveraging technology to optimize production processes. Furthermore, the Center's financial implications extend beyond Fort Erie, as it supports Airbus Helicopters' global supply chain, thereby bolstering the company's overall competitive position in the industry, including women's health, given the majority female workforce in the Composite Department.
