Augsburg, September 7, 2009 - Today, MT Aerospace, a subsidiary of OHB Technology, inaugurated a new production site in the presence of the Federal Minister of Economy and Technology, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. This latest expansion is the answer of the mid-sized technology company to new challenges in manufacturing complex high-tech materials and the need for additional capacities.

“Investments today strengthen our competitive position tomorrow – this holds true particularly in difficult economic times“, said Hans Steininger, Chief Executive of MT Aerospace AG, in his address at the opening ceremony for a new manufacturing and office building.

In his opening speech, Minister zu Guttenberg commended the company for its courageous investment and long-term strategy: “The present financial and economic crisis must not paralyse investments. We need investments to emerge stronger than before”.

New facilities expand manufacturing capacities

The largest German supplier for the European ARIANE 5 launcher commissioned a new manufacturing and office building with a floor space of approx. 2500 sq. metres (27,000 sq. ft) at their Augsburg location.

At the new site, structural components made from carbon fibre composites will be developed and manufactured for aerospace applications. Several clean rooms will serve the integration of high-tech tanks for satellites and for the European space service vehicle ATV.

MT Aerospace invests in centre for fuel and high-pressure tank systems

The new manufacturing facilities are a further step towards implementing the company’s strategy to make their Augsburg location a European centre for fuel tanks and high-pressure tanks for the aerospace industry.

“This competence centre is our contribution to the planned Augsburg technology campus. This collective expertise in the field of carbon composite technologies and its financial support by the Federal Government and the Free State of Bavaria is essential to the future of our company“, said Walter Köppel, Chief Operating Officer of MT Aerospace AG.

Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Dr. zu Guttenberg informed himself on company’s leading manufacturing technologies

The guest of honour at the opening ceremony was Dr. Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, who answered to an invitation of Dr. Christian Ruck, member of the German Bundestag and regional chairman of the CSU in Augsburg.

In his speech to employees and management, Federal Minister zu Guttenberg welcomed the efforts of MT Aerospace to expand their strategic position in the European launcher industry: “I will continue to support a well-balanced distribution of expertise and work packages within Germany. I am convinced that MT Aerospace is capable of presenting high-quality and competitive concepts, and therefore has the potential to expand its role from a tank component supplier to a supplier for complete tank systems“.

During a tour of the company’s manufacturing facilities accompanied by Dr. Kurt Gribl, mayor of the city of Augsburg, the Federal Minister zu Guttenberg informed himself on MT Aerospace’s leading manufacturing capacities and aerospace technology made in Swabia.