BEML Aerospace, the the aerospace manufacturing division launched in 2009 by India's rail and mining equipment major BEML Ltd, expects to turn into a significant offsets partner for a host of global civil and defence aircraft manufacturers , a senior company official told Business Line .
“We are actively on the lookout for opportunities to expand work with prospective civil and military Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are looking to complete their offset obligations,” the official said.
Talks have started with a few of the aircraft majors, he said.
For instance, during the Paris air show in June, BEML signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy's Alenia Aeronautica SpA to explore the option of developing a new basic trainer for the Forces. It also signed a MoU with Russia's UAC.
Taking wing
BEML's aerospace ambitions took wing after the company's Board approved on September 13 an investment of Rs 455 crore in a new 25-acre manufacturing facility at the Devanahalli aerospace special economic zone near Bangalore.
The official, who was aware of the decision, told Business Line that work on the facility should begin in six months, and that a design firm was being finalised for the purpose.
A detailed project report has already been made ready, he pointed out. The company, he said, may borrow part of the investment amount required for the project from banks .
BEML's aerospace roadmap includes making components to assembling small planes and helicopters at a facility planned in the Devanahalli aerospace SEZ.
Wish-list
To begin with, the facility would take up fabrication of material, machining, parts and aggregates.
Manufacturing composites or special light materials, and landing gears for the OEMs are also on its wish-list.
The official said the aerospace unit had the potential to achieve a turnover of around Rs 1,000 crore from the aerospace and offsets business by 2016-17.
Advisory board
According to Mr Umesh Chandra, Executive Director of the aerospace division, its six-member aero advisory board includes Dr Kota Harinarayana, father of the Light Combat Aircraft project; Dr P.S. Nair, formerly with ISRO; and Mr N.R. Mohanty, HAL's former Chairman.
BEML Aerospace has received the AS19100 and CEMILAC certifications for aerospace manufacturing and military quality, respectively, and this would smoothen the way forward, he said.
BEML's stand is that it would play a complementary or supporting role to big brother HAL, as the aircraft major, which is also under the Ministry of Defence, has its hands full with large projects.