The big names in global aviation chose Provence
Eurocopter, a world leader and the leading company in the region
A subsidiary of EADS, Eurocopter’s facilities in Marignane host the company’s headquarters and half of the company’s global personnel with 7,000 direct employees (10,000 including temporary workers and on site subcontractors), of which 3,000 are engineers and senior technicians.
In 2008, 400 helicopters were manufactured on the site’s assembly lines thanks to the exceptional resources deployed by Eurocopter in mechanics, composite materials, electrical systems, installation and integration, and flight tests.
As the leading industrial company in the region, Eurocopter works with more than 800 regional businesses, suppliers and subcontractors, generating significant economic benefits for the region. The Group also conducts Research & Development in partnership with engineering schools and universities of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur administrative region.
Eurocopter, in partnership with Thales, launched the Helisim training center for simulated pilot training, for pilots from around the world. Located in Marignane, it can accommodate up to 1,000 pilots per year.
Eurocopter and its partners were heavily involved in the creation and development of the PRIDES-labeled competitive business cluster Pégase, for whom it also acts as Chair of the managing committee. The cluster represents more than one hundred companies as well as more than forty research and training organizations, who together work to structure and promote the aviation and aerospace industry and generate growth and employment.
Dassault Aviation
Since its creation, Dassault Aviation has delivered 7,600 civil and military aircraft in over 70 countries. The company employs 12,000 people worldwide.
Dassault-Aviation in Istres works with 200 local suppliers and employs 600 highly qualified people who work in more than 600,000 sq. feet of workshops, laboratories, technical facilities and offices.
Hundreds of flight tests are carried out each month to develop and ensure the certification of aircraft, systems and their machines, to prepare aircraft for flight after leaving the production line, to encourage participation in aircraft and system design as well as to present and promote the aircraft.
A network of subcontractors and equipment manufacturers
A large network of subcontractors and equipment manufacturers serves the aviation industry in Provence.
- Precision mechanics: Aero 13, Bonnans Group, Corale, Dimeo, HMC, Oxygravure, NMA, SEFCA, Technoplus
- Computer engineering and electronics: Arpège Defense, Avielec, Dassault Systèmes, Thales, Diginext, International Service Elec Info (ISEI), Oxytronic, Studiel
- Automated systems: APM Electronique, EPI, I2E, Mors, SEP Industrie
- Trial and test tool engineering: Technicatome
- Propulsion systems: SEP, SNECMA
- Composite materials: BMTI Composites, Fibres de Berre, Sudinove, CNIM, ATN International, Carbonne Forgé, SMAC, VN Composite
- Hydraulic systems: APAVE, Deshons Hydraulique, Hydrotech Provence, Weir Power Industrial France
- Surface finishing: PMA
- Metrology: Mesura Engineering, Metrotech, A+Métrologie
- Certifications: International Engineering Assistance
- Maintenance: Aéromécanic, Icarius
- Aircraft manufacturing: Airstar, BackBone, M3G, Novadem
