French titanium alloy producer EcoTitanium is set to expand its production capabilities to meet the growing demand from the aerospace industry. The company has announced the acquisition of a new vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnace, which is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. This addition aims to address the increasing need for titanium, particularly driven by the aerospace sector.
EcoTitanium, a joint venture involving UKAD (a partnership between Aubert & Duval and UKTMP), Ademe, and Credit Agricole Centre France, has not disclosed specific details regarding its annual capacity or the number of furnaces it operates. However, the facility, located in Saint-Georges-de-Mons, was initially projected to produce several thousand tons of titanium alloy ingots annually when it opened in 2017.
The company's production process includes using plasma cold hearth furnaces that can utilize up to 80% scrap metal, along with VAR furnaces for further refining. This sustainable approach not only supports the environment by reducing CO2 emissions but also provides a reliable titanium supply independent of major global producers (Thermal Processing).
The decision to add the new furnace is driven by a significant increase in titanium demand, especially from the aerospace industry, which is ramping up production in Europe. In contrast, the US aerospace sector faces some operational challenges, particularly at Boeing. Airbus, for instance, plans to increase its production of the titanium-intensive A350 aircraft to 12 units per month by 2028.
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