Weber Metals Inc., a division of Germany-based Otto Fuch KG, has unveiled a new, $180 million, 60,000-ton press at its facility in Paramount, California.
“This innovative technology will literally forge the future for parts made for aircraft and spacecraft,” said Dr. Hinrich Mählmann, managing partner of Otto Fuchs KG. “This, the world’s largest pull-down forging press; will shape some of the world’s largest monolithic parts from both aluminum and titanium. For Otto Fuchs, this is the third time we have developed the world’s largest forging press and the second time it has been on Weber’s property,” he added.
The new press helps with the demands and expectations from the companyÂ’s customers for larger, more sophisticated monolithic titanium and aluminum parts that reduce both weight and complexity, which therefore assists companies with improving their environmental efforts.
“Environmental sustainability is a priority for both companies,” said Dr. Klaus Welschof, head of the Otto Fuchs aerospace division. “Green product design reflects the efforts by both of our companies to help reduce carbon footprint for commercial aircraft. It also connects with another of our commitments: improving the mobility of people everywhere through better aircraft design.”
The project received $20 million in tax credits from the state of California, and should double employment to 800 jobs for Weber Metals.
Image courtesy of Aerospace Manufacturing and Design