HomeNewsSafran expands existing North Charleston operations

Safran expands existing North Charleston operations

Safran — a leading provider of systems and equipment for aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner — has expanded its North Charleston footprint by constructing a new facility adjacent to its existing operations. This $7 million expansion is expected to create 15 new jobs.

Operating in North Charleston since 2008, Safran is the provider of landing and braking systems, propulsion components, electrical wiring and electronics and engineering services for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Safran is the worldwide leader in wiring solutions and landing and braking systems and ranked second worldwide in electrical power generation for aircraft.

Located in Suite 107 of 8351 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, S.C., the company’s new facility supports the assembly of wiring and landing gear activities for the Dreamliner. With the new facility already operational, Safran’s wire harness inventory management, delivery and repair services will continue. Additionally, the company is also performing final assembly on the 787 landing gear to integrate wheel and brake system components.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 Set Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of real property improvements.

“This growth demonstrates our long-term commitment to our customers. Through partnerships, organic growth and investment of $3 billion in the U.S. over the past few years in acquisitions and new facilities, Safran has gained new competencies to back our long-term strategy. As we approach nearly half a century of presence here, we will continue to create jobs and bring cutting-edge technologies to our U.S. customers.” –

“Partnering with the Safran Electrical & Power team will enhance the company’s support capabilities for the Boeing 787 final assembly line and provide optimized and custom solutions for our customer. To be able to work jointly with our sister company to better serve our customer is incredibly important.” –Vice President of North American Programs at Safran Landing Systems Deane Weatherby

“It is with much anticipated excitement that we are opening this new facility with a capital investment of $7 million in South Carolina, a rapidly booming aerospace cluster. We have increased our footprint significantly with this customized facility and are also expanding our local workforce.” –Safran Electrical & Power Charleston General Manager Paul McDowell

“Since opening its first location in North Charleston, we have stood with Safran through multiple expansions, ensuring city services were rendered effectively and in a timely manner. We are happy to once again congratulate Safran on its growth and look forward to seeing the company’s advancing role in North Charleston’s dynamic economy.” –City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

“We’re excited that Safran continues to enjoy success as a member of South Carolina’s aerospace industry. This new $7 million investment and the 15 new jobs they are creating is a big win and will have a real impact on the people of this state.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“The aerospace sector continues to be a major driver of South Carolina’s economy, and today’s announcement by Safran is a further testament to that. I congratulate them on this new investment and look forward to watching them continue this growth for years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“It is with marked excitement that we congratulate Safran on their announcement to expand their presence in Charleston County. The relationships we have cultivated over the years between Safran and Boeing have reaped benefits and demonstrate our continued commitment to the aerospace industry. By judiciously approving economic development incentives, Charleston County Council is helping to foster a diverse economy to support a desirable quality of life for county residents.” –Charleston County Chairman Elliott Summey

“We’ve been talking with Safran for some time about the competitive advantages the Charleston region offers. Our highly-skilled workforce, business-friendly climate and globally-connected infrastructure influenced Safran’s expansion decision to offer multiple capabilities to better serve its customer Boeing. Safran will be a tremendous asset to our growing aerospace cluster for many years to come.” –Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Todd Gallati

Five Fast Facts

  • Safran is expanding its existing North Charleston operations.
  • $7 million investment creating 15 new jobs.
  • Safran is a provider of aerospace services to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including the assembly of wiring and landing gear activities.
  • Located in Suite 107 of 8351 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, S.C., the new facility is already operational.
  • The company has operated in North Charleston since 2008.

About Safran

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defense and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 70,000 employees and generated sales of 17.4 billion euros ($19.3 billion) in 2015. Working independently or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of more than 2 billion euros in 2015. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index, as well as the Euro Stoxx 50 European index. For more information,www.safran-group.com / Follow @SAFRAN on Twitter.

Photo by Stewart Cohen / CAPA Pictures / Safran