Safran chooses Ain over the United States to invest 450 million euros in a new factory

Between North America and France, Safran's heart has shifted in favor of Ain. Just before the publication of its half-year results, the French engine manufacturer announced on Thursday, July 31, the eventual investment of 450 million euros for the establishment of a new factory in Ambérieu-en-Bugey, 50 km east of Lyon, intended to manufacture carbon brakes. Entry into service is scheduled for 2030.

A missed opportunity for Donald Trump, whose trade war aims to encourage companies in strategic sectors to locate their production on American soil. The chosen site, the Ain Plain industrial park, was in competition with other locations in Oregon (United States), Quebec, the Territoire de Belfort, and the Lyon metropolitan area.

Safran is the world leader in carbon brakes, equipping 55% of commercial aircraft with more than 100 seats. Designed for the aerospace industry, they are more efficient and lighter than traditional steel brakes, "enabling operators to reduce their fuel consumption," the group said.

Emmanuel Macron immediately praised on social media "a choice of sovereignty and reindustrialization" which is part of his ambition to relocate strategic production to France, before offering his thanks: "Thank you to EDF: our clean and competitive electricity attracts world leaders."

Because it was the promise of access to affordable electricity that convinced Safran to set up in France. "Since energy can represent up to 30% of the manufacturing cost of a carbon brake, the guarantee for this new factory of secure access to carbon-free electricity at a stable and competitive price in the long term made this choice of location possible," the group explained in a press release .

The project was the subject of direct negotiations between EDF and Safran, particularly regarding the price per megawatt-hour, the Ministry of the Economy told AFP, without specifying the figure. RTE, France's electricity manager, also promised an effort to shorten the site's connection time from an average of 60 months to 45 months. This is an argument that often weighs heavily on industrialists' decision to choose a location.

Emmanuel Macron announced the establishment of this plant in France in 2019. It took six years for the project to come to fruition. The government provided a €15 million grant, and the region pledged €16 million, according to the Ministry of Finance.

"This establishment is a strong signal for Ain, which confirms its industrial potential and its capacity to attract major technological investments," reacted Olga Givernet, MP for Ensemble de l'Ain and former Minister of Energy in the Barnier government , in a press release.

This announcement was made alongside Safran's half-year results , published this Thursday. The equipment and engine manufacturer posted strong sales growth of €14.8 billion in the first half of 2025, up 13.2%. In addition, its recurring operating income jumped 27%. "Safran recorded excellent results in the first half of 2025, with a record operating margin of 17% […] driven by the strength of its civil engine services business," said Olivier Andriès, Safran's CEO.

The propulsion division, with an operating profit up 37%, benefited from strong demand for civil engines. The same was true for the equipment and defense division (+7%), which produces landing gear and carbon brakes.

This good financial health has led Safran to raise all of its annual forecasts, especially since trade negotiations with the United States are favorable : "Regarding international trade, we welcome the progress towards an exemption from transatlantic customs duties on the majority of aeronautical products."