Dassault Aviation has officially opened its new production facility in Cergy, north of Paris, marking the company’s first new production site since the 1970s. The inauguration on September 23 was attended by Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, along with local and regional officials.
The new plant replaces Dassault’s former operations in Argenteuil as part of a restructuring plan initiated in 2019. Construction on the new, state-of-the-art facility began in 2021 and was completed in July 2024. The transfer of staff and equipment from Argenteuil has been underway since the summer and is expected to be finalized by January 2025. The Cergy site is now home to over 600 engineers and technicians.
A Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency
Spanning over 110,000 square meters, the Cergy facility includes nearly 40,000 square meters dedicated to production. It features a solar-equipped roof to reduce energy consumption, along with an advanced ventilation system and smart lighting. These features, combined with integrated green spaces, underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Specialized Production for Falcon and Rafale Aircraft
The Cergy plant specializes in assembling skin panels and complex small parts for both the Falcon business jets and Rafale fighter aircraft. This strategic move allows the Seclin plant to focus on primary small-parts production, streamlining the manufacturing process for both civil and military programs. The new facility is designed to support the increased demand from ongoing Rafale orders and Falcon deliveries.
Commitment to French Industry
According to Éric Trappier, the Cergy facility is a crucial step in preserving and developing France’s unique aerospace expertise. “France possesses unique expertise that we must preserve and develop within our national territory,” said Trappier. “This is a question of sovereignty… It is also an economic and social imperative, to meet the challenge of reindustrializing our country and creating jobs.”
The new site is a long-term investment that reinforces Dassault’s industrial presence in France and is expected to play a key role in future Falcon and Rafale programs for both domestic and export markets.
Be the first to comment