Safran, the French aerospace manufacturer, has announced a significant €450 million investment in a new factory in Ambérieu-en-Bugey, France, aimed at producing carbon brakes, with plans for the facility to open in 2030.

This decision, made public on July 31, 2025, reflects the company's need for stable access to decarbonized electricity, which constitutes a substantial portion of production costs.

Despite considering locations in the United States and Canada, Safran ultimately chose to invest in France, a decision made ahead of the company's half-year results announcement.

The recent leadership change at EDF, with Bernard Fontana taking over, positively influenced Safran's decision by improving discussions about energy pricing.

EDF has agreed to provide a favorable electricity price of €55 per megawatt-hour for the plant's operations, which is crucial for the project's viability.

The French government is supporting the project with a €15 million grant, while the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has pledged an additional €16 million.

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the investment as a 'choice of sovereignty,' emphasizing its alignment with national goals of reindustrialization and decarbonization.

The new facility is expected to enhance Safran's leadership in carbon brakes, as the company currently supplies 55% of such brakes for commercial aircraft with over 100 seats.

Designed for environmental sustainability, the factory aims for zero emissions by utilizing biomethane and low-carbon electricity, alongside significant reductions in energy and water consumption.

The establishment of the factory is projected to create approximately 200 highly skilled jobs by 2040, contributing positively to the local economy.

Safran's decision comes after a lengthy delay influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy costs following geopolitical tensions, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The project benefits from expedited electrical grid connection timelines, reduced from the usual 60 months to 45 months, facilitating a quicker start to operations.