Paris-based Constellium announced the $2 billion agreement with the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.
Constellium says aluminum products from Constellium's major plants in Ravenswood; Issoire, France; and Sierre, Switzerland, will be used for all of Airbus' key commercial and defense aircraft models.
Christophe Villemin, president of Constellium's Global Aerospace Division, calls the agreement "a significant accomplishment."
"This agreement is a significant accomplishment for Constellium," says Christophe Villemin, president of Constellium's Global Aerospace Division. "Through our partnership, we have a unique opportunity to work even more closely with Airbus to further develop innovative aluminum processes and designs. We are also eager to see our collaboration explore the full potential of aluminum technologies in future aircraft programs."
In January, a $46 million aluminum stretcher debuted at the Ravenwood plant. Company officials say the stretcher reduces internal stresses in the metal created by other steps in the manufacturing process.
At nearly 1,000 workers, the plant is Jackson County's largest employer.
Under the agreement, Constellium will supply rolled products for airframes including wing skin panels and stringers, aero-sheets for fuselage panels, and rectangular and pre-machined plates for structural components. Aluminum also will be used across all key Airbus and EADS programs.
The Issoire plant will manufacture the longest, 34-meter wing panels. Company spokeswoman Laura Berneri told the Charleston Daily Mail (http://bit.ly/KQLvJ7) the Ravenswood plant would produce many other wide and thick aluminum products.
Berneri said no additional jobs are expected to be added in Ravenswood due to the announcement, but expansion could happen if business continues to increase.