Element Materials Technology, a global leader in materials and product qualification testing, inspection, and certification services (TIC), is significantly investing in its Aerospace and Defence laboratory in Toulouse, France – the well-established European hub for the Aerospace industry. The investment will deliver state-of-the-art mechanical characterization testing, a critical activity for bringing new aircraft and components to market. This expansion is part of Element’s plans to meet the heightened demand from OEMs and manufacturers operating in this space. According to a new report from Technavio, the global aerospace parts manufacturing market is set to grow at a compound annual growth (CAGR) rate of 4.19% between 2024 to 2028. This is attributed to an increased demand for new commercial and defence aircraft.

Scheduled for completion later in the year, the expansion project will see Element’s Toulouse laboratory, which is based in the Colomiers district, more than double in size.The existing facility will gain a 1000m² extension, while a brand new 2500m² building will house world-leading mechanical characterization testing facilities. These will include seven new machining and dissection units, 30 additional state-of-the-art testing machines, and 80 new creep machines. This investment in Toulouse is part of a larger 30-million-euro initiative that includes similar mechanical characterization projects at Element’s laboratories in Lancaster (UK), and Pilsen (CZ).

Lee Brough, Vice President of Aerospace and Defence, EMEAA at Element, commented: “As the aerospace, transportation, and energy sectors experience significant growth across Europe, Element stands ready to meet the challenge. Our expanded facilities and commitment to innovation will allow us to continue setting the standard for materials testing excellence, delivering unmatched quality and service to our customers.”

Julien Porco, General Manager of Element Toulouse, added, “The doubling in size of our Toulouse site is testament to our dedication to mechanical characterization. The facilities we are investing in will increase our capacity and enable us to offer a broader range of testing services, helping customers accelerate product development and qualification.”

Capabilities will span advanced testing services like high and low cycle fatigue at elevated temperatures, fracture mechanics, static testing, and metallography inspection. As a fatigue testing and fracture toughness leader, Element Toulouse delivers high-quality testing, minimizing time to market.

The Toulouse site maintains a robust portfolio of certifications, including COFRAC ISO 17025, Nadcap for metallic tests, and approvals from leading aerospace OEMs. Boasting Europe's shortest lead times, the technical team supports the entire testing process from conception to execution.

The new equipment and expanded facilities at Toulouse are scheduled to become operational by mid-November 2024.