Snecma selected Japanese Kikuchi Gear as a supplier of titanium-aluminide (TiAl) blades on the low-pressure turbine of the new CFM International LEAP engine

Ashikaga city, Tochigi (Japan), 9-6-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Snecma (Safran) and Kikuchi Gear Co., Ltd. located in Tochigi, Japan, announced today that Snecma selected Kikuchi Gear as a supplier of titanium-aluminide (TiAl) blades on the low-pressure turbine of the new CFM International LEAP* engine and both companies entered into the long-term agreement. Kikuchi Gear, a Japanese high-precision machining house, has been involved in the test and development phase of TiAl blade project led by Snecma thus far and is currently gearing up for the mass production scheduled to start from 2016. The construction of new plant which will be equipped with the integrated production line from machining process to non-destructive testing is under way in Ashikaga city, in the proximity of Kikuchi Gear’s existing plants and head office.

“Snecma can see the potential and persistence in the performance of Kikuchi Gear which proves their high level of skills and technical expertise needed for the TiAl blade project. We’re working together to achieve high targets.” said Etienne Galan, Vice President of Purchasing of Snecma.

“For Kikuchi Gear, this is the first time to take part in the new engine program with Snecma but we’re ready to meet the challenging requirements by making the most of our resources for the success of this project.” said Yoshinori Kikuchi, President and CEO of Kikuchi Gear.

Kikuchi Gear literally has prestigious track record of gear production for a wide range of application in the Japanese automobile, aerospace and construction machinery industries, and keeps trying to expand their business into overseas market with the support of METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan) and business partners. Since 2011, Kikuchi Gear has continued to exhibit at Paris Air Show and put its finger on the pulse of aerospace manufacturing market. “We will seek every opportunity to horn our skills and catch up with the international standard of manufacturing and quality control, and fulfill customer’s need.” added Yoshinori Kikuchi.

About Snecma (Safran)
Snecma is part of Safran, an international high-technology group with three core businesses: aerospace, defence and security. Snecma designs, builds and sells propulsion systems for air and space, including a wide range of commercial engines that are powerful, reliable, economical and environmentally-friendly, led by the global best-seller CFM56 and the new-generation LEAP*. The company also makes world-class military aircraft engines, as well as rocket propulsion systems and equipment for satellites and launch vehicles. Snecma is a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for civil and military aircraft engines, under the new EngineLife® brand, offering comprehensive support for customers around the world.

*CFM56 and LEAP engines are produced and marketed by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran), France and GE of the United States.

Follow @Snecma on twitter

About Kikuchi Gear
Kikuchi Gear was established in 1969 and has kept a long-standing presence in the high-precision gear market in Japan to date. From high-end automobile and motor racing engine parts to aircraft engine parts, Kikuchi Gear provides their customers with the precision-engineered parts and components of high quality at competitive prices. For more information, visit our website at http://www.kikuchigear.co.jp or you can find us at Paris Air Show 2015.

Press Contact

• Snecma (Safran)
  Giulia Lecarrié
  Tél. : +33 (0)1 69 87 09 29
  Mob : +33 (0)6 42 40 17 19
  giulia.lecarrie@snecma.fr
• Kikuchi Gear
  Jun Morinishi
  Tel. : +81 (0) 284 71 4315
  Mob : N/A
  morinisi@kikuchigear.co.jp