Airbus, Flow International Host Partnership Event to Celebrate Contract
Kent, WA - Oct. 13, 2008 - Flow International Corporation, the world's leading developer and manufacturer of industrial waterjet machines for cutting and cleaning applications, and Airbus today hosted a special reception in recognition of a previously announced Airbus award of a $30 million contract to Flow for production of waterjet machines. These machines will be built and installed over the next 18 to 24 months for use in manufacturing the new Airbus A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) aircraft.
"As the materials and systems inside airplanes have evolved over the past few decades, Airbus has had the need to be at the forefront in designing the most efficient aircraft possible," said Allan McArtor, chairman, Airbus Americas. "Flow has stepped up to the plate. The company exemplifies new, innovative, and state of the art, so as they become members of the partnership that will build the A350 - the world's newest, innovative, state of the art aircraft - it is evident that we're a perfect match. Flow exemplifies innovation, has a very skilled work force, and has what it takes to beat the competition."
"Waterjets have become the standard for meeting the aerospace industry's production requirements, and Flow is uniquely positioned to serve this segment through our deep experience and innovative technology," said Charley Brown, president and CEO, Flow International. "We are pleased Airbus selected Flow as the only provider of waterjet Composite Machining Centers, and that our technology was chosen over other traditional and non-traditional machining processes for use on the A350 XWB. Engineering and manufacturing for these products will take place in our recently announced Advanced Systems Technology and Manufacturing Center which is an expansion of our Jeffersonville, Indiana facility."
Airbus will use Flow's CMC waterjet systems throughout all its plants across Europe to cut and trim the wings, fuselage, wing spars, keel beam, and other parts on the A350 XWB, which is Airbus' response to market demand for a medium capacity long range wide-body family. The A350 XWB is an efficient structure because of a design concept that uses more than 60 percent new materials in the aircraft's airframe, all chosen for their superior weight and strength properties. Flow's waterjets lead the industry in cutting these state-of-the-art carbon-fiber materials
ABOUT FLOW INTERNATIONAL
Flow International Corporation is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet technology for cutting and cleaning. Flow provides state-of-the-art ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) technology to numerous industries including automotive, aerospace, job shop, surface preparation, food and dozens more. For more information, visit www.flowcorp.com.
ABOUT AIRBUS
Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive aircraft product line on the market. Each new Airbus order means new business for American companies. In 2007 alone, Airbus spent more than $9 billion with suppliers in more than 40 U.S. states supporting more than 170,000 American jobs. Airbus is an EADS company.
Contact:
Flow Media Relations
Lisa Brandli
425-653-1237
lbrandli@flowcorp.com
