It remains a no hidden fact that Tata is not only associated with automobiles and heavy commercial vehicles, but also it had moved a notch further and does projects for aeronautics industry. Reportedly, TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd. (TAL), a Tata enterprise and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, celebrated delivery of its first advanced composite floor beam (ACFB) for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Boeing. The ACFB was produced in collaboration with Boeing by TAL at its dedicated world-class facility in MIHAN SEZ in Nagpur.
This can be uttered as one of the great milestones achieved by the company. To mark it as a special one, a flag-off ceremony for the first floor beam was held in Nagpur June 17, 2014.
Senior TAL officials including the Chairman, Mr R.S Thakur, Mr John Byrne – Vice President, Aircraft Materials and Structures, Supplier Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), and Mr Jay Campbell – Managing Director, International Business Development, BCA, were present to commemorate the occasion.
Boeing India – President, Mr Pratyush Kumar called it a major milestone not just for Boeing and TAL but also for India. “This is not just any part,” Kumar said, “It represents a highly advanced form of composite manufacturing that enhances India’s stature in the global supply chain network of Boeing. This is an excellent example of India bringing productivity and competitiveness to Boeing, and Boeing bringing cutting-edge technology to India – a truly win-win partnership.”
“We are proud of achieving this milestone,” said Mr Rajesh Khatri, Executive Director & CEO, TAL. “This would not have been possible without the support of the Boeing Team. We will accelerate production to meet Boeing requirements and are committed to create a center of excellence for aerospace in India backed by world-class facilities, proficient people and global best practices.”
“Manufacturing composites for aerospace is a complex, demanding process,” said Mr Kent Fisher, Vice President and General Manager of BCA Supplier Management. “We are pleased with the progress TAL has made in such a short period of time”.
Within a span of less than five years, TAL has transformed a green field site at MIHAN, SEZ into an aerospace manufacturing facility, building sophisticated aero structures. Till date, more than 200 persons are employed. Now, TAL is positioned to methodically ramp up production for 787-9 floor beams that are shipped to Boeing partners in Italy, Japan and the United States.
