Pilatus Consolidates Composite Operations in Switzerland

### New Facility to Drive Composite Adoption Pilatus, a leading aviation manufacturer, has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to composite materials with the opening of a new CHF 100 million ($123 million) manufacturing center in Switzerland. The facility, named Schwarzhorn, brings together the company's composite development and production operations for the first time, providing a centralized hub for the creation of lighter-weight aircraft components. Located in the Swiss canton of Nidwalden, the Schwarzhorn building is designed to accommodate approximately 300 employees and features a range of advanced production technologies. The facility handles the entire production process, from raw material delivery and storage to component manufacturing, subassembly, and surface treatment. This streamlined approach enables Pilatus to efficiently produce high-quality composite components, which can then be sent directly to final assembly. The use of composite materials in aircraft production has traditionally been limited to non-load-bearing parts such as covers and cowlings. However, Pilatus has been at the forefront of composite adoption, with its PC-24 twinjet featuring composite components in primary structures, including load-bearing control surfaces. The company plans to further increase its use of composites in future aircraft, leveraging the benefits of reduced weight and fuel consumption. ### Improved Collaboration and Sustainability The Schwarzhorn facility is designed to foster greater collaboration between Pilatus' engineering and manufacturing teams, with the goal of improving cooperation and driving innovation. The building's design also incorporates sustainable features, including photovoltaic panels on its roof and facades, which generate electricity. Additionally, waste heat from production processes and groundwater are used for heating and cooling, reducing the facility's environmental impact. Pilatus is seeking LEED Platinum certification for the Schwarzhorn building, which would be a first for the company. This achievement would recognize the facility's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. ### Commitment to Innovation and Manufacturing The opening of the Schwarzhorn facility represents Pilatus' largest investment in a single new facility to date, according to CEO Markus Bucher. The company's commitment to innovation and manufacturing in Switzerland is reaffirmed through this investment, which underscores its dedication to the country as a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and training. The Schwarzhorn name pays homage to a Swiss mountain and the dark color of the composite components produced at the facility, symbolizing the company's connection to its Swiss heritage and its focus on cutting-edge technology.