Two years have passed since Asco, world leader in design and manufacture of high lift mechanism devices, complex mechanical assemblies and major functional components for the aerospace industry, decided to acquire an industrial facility and transform it into an aerospace manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Okla.
Asco Aerospace USA: Fully operational and expanding
The 715,000-square-foot facility is currently up and running. Asco Aerospace USA already manufactures several wing and fuselage components of the 737, 777 and 787 Boeing airplanes. Production started in January 2014 and first deliveries were made in April. Since then, Asco Aerospace USA has already delivered500 slat supports and 1700 flap carriages.
The factory currently employs 110 people and is still hiring. Positions include engineers, CNC machinists and operators, treatment operators, quality specialists, polishers and painters.
Asco Aerospace USA is designed as a state of the art lean manufacturing facility, with all processes integrated in house: machining, heat and surface treatment and assembly of complex machined parts out of titanium, steel and aluminum. While the steel and aluminum lines are operational, Asco is now working on its titanium line.
“We are very proud of our achievements, there have been challenges, but the results are rewarding; we celebrate our 60th anniversary by focusing on the future, with expansion plans and responding to customer demands” said Christian Boas, CEO of the Asco Group.
An advantageous local environment
The evolution of the plant has been greatly achieved by Asco employees. “The people have worked fiercely during the last two years to make the industrial site become a modern, state of the art working place. It is very rewarding to witness all these changes,” stated Vicky Welvaert, HR Director of the Asco Group.
The location of the plant in Stillwater has proved convenient, with easy access to Asco’s customers in the continent, and with an attractive workforce and training possibilities. “We have good contacts with the Meridian Technology Center to provide customized trainings for Asco,” said Jean Pierre Gielen, plant manager Asco Aerospace USA.
On the other hand, the community has been able to benefit from having an aerospace company in the area. Currently, some industrial engineering students from the Oklahoma State University are examining the production flow and processes of steel aerospace parts for their final study projects.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, Oklahoma Workforce Development, Metafund, REI Oklahoma, US Bank, the City of Stillwater and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce have been very helpful and effective making this Asco location a possibility, declared Trudo Motmans, Chairman of the Asco Board of Directors.
Asco celebrated its 60th global anniversary with a fully equipped and operational manufacturing unit strengthening its position as a preferred supplier to its customers in the Americas, and celebrates its second year in Oklahoma with a satisfactory and enriching interaction with the Stillwater community.
