MTU Aero Engines has agreed a long-term contract with Oerlikon Balzers. The German engine manufacturer is to use a plant operated by the Liechtenstein coating specialists for component coating processes. Moreover, the two partners intend to explore mutually beneficial development opportunities.

MTU Aero Engines and Oerlikon Balzers are joining forces. The two companies have signed a ten-year contract for a cooperation in the area of coating engine components, Oerlikon Balzers writes in a press release. In specific terms, the German engine manufacturer wants to use the INNOVENTA giga coating system of the Liechtenstein coating specialist, which is part of the Oerlikon Group based in the canton of Schwyz, to apply MTU’s own erosion-resistant coating to next generation GTF aero engines. Moreover, the two partners are keen to explore joint opportunities related to the development of future surface solutions.

“Oerlikon Balzers has proven to be a reliable partner for MTU during the initial phase of this coating project”, comments Holger Auer, Director Procurement Airfoils, Castings and Indirect Material, MTU Aero Engines, in the press release. “We are convinced that Oerlikon Balzers’ highly motivated team will fulfil this very demanding project during the development and serial production phase to our full satisfaction”, he adds.

The core competencies and expertise that Oerlikon Balzers has at its disposal should lead to improvements in engine efficiency. For Markus Tacke, CEO of the Oerlikon Surface Solutions Division, the contract with MTU Aero Engines is a sign of the confidence that customers place in Oerlikon Balzers. Tacke also states that the agreement underlines “our commitment to further provide sustainable innovation as a leading supplier for surface solutions such as PVD in the aerospace market”.

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