NTN Europe Invests €30 Million to Boost Aerospace Operations and Workforce Expansion in France

NTN Europe invests €30 million to expand its Argonay aerospace site in France, aiming for 40% growth by 2030. The plan includes Industry 4.0 upgrades, AI and robotics integration, and 100 new hires. This move strengthens its SNR brand and European industrial presence, supporting rising aerospace demand and projects like Airbus’ RACER and aircraft electrification initiatives.

NTN Europe, a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-precision bearings, confirms a €30 million investment in its Argonay production site in France. The site, operated under the century-old SNR brand, serves as the centre of NTN Europe’s aerospace division. 

This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the division's industrial capacity and competitiveness in response to rising demand in the aeronautics sector. The initiative also includes the recruitment of 100 new professionals, reflecting a 20% increase in workforce.

The investment is part of an ambitious growth plan that aims to increase the aerospace division's output by 40% by the year 2030. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Argonay plant, underlining its long-standing contribution to the aerospace industry.

Adapting to Industry Challenges Through Transformation and Innovation

The aeronautics sector is currently undergoing rapid change, driven by increasing global demand, the need for faster production rates, and the pressure to secure supply chains. NTN Europe responds by launching a comprehensive transformation programme to modernise operations and meet customer expectations for improved performance and competitiveness.

“In this context, the quality of our solutions is no longer enough: our customers, industry leaders, expect ever greater competitiveness and performance from us. We're going one step further by providing them with a 360° customer approach to meet their challenges,” says Michel Barria, Aerospace Sales & Marketing Director at NTN Europe.

Florian Eggenspieler, manager of the Argonay plant, adds, “This investment project is as much about developing our production capacity as it is about changing the way we work.” He explains that the investment will focus on three main areas: upgrading the plant's digital infrastructure, developing advanced industrial processes, and encouraging collaboration between humans and machines. 

“Our teams will be assisted in their tasks by robots, cobots and artificial intelligence, enabling them to focus on their core expertise,” he says.

Supporting Industrial Sovereignty and Advancing Aerospace Excellence

The Argonay site, with its long-standing roots in France, remains a critical asset in NTN Europe’s commitment to industrial sovereignty and technological excellence. The investment aligns with the group’s broader goal of reinforcing European leadership in the aerospace supply chain.

“This investment decision reflects the Group’s commitment to supporting European industrial sovereignty and strengthens our ability to accelerate flows in line with our customers’ ramp-ups,” says Frédéric Lavabre, Director of NTN Europe’s Aerospace Division.

NTN Europe continues to play a key role in shaping the future of aviation. The company contributes to the development of next-generation aircraft engines, participates in the RACER project led by Airbus for high-speed helicopters, and actively engages in aircraft electrification.

About NTN Europe

A subsidiary of the Japanese NTN Corporation, NTN Europe designs, develops, and manufactures precision bearings and technological solutions for the industrial, automotive, and aerospace sectors. The company operates 14 production sites and an R&D centre in Europe and employs over 5,000 people. In 2024, NTN Europe is projected to generate annual revenue of €1.2 billion.

NTN Europe operates under the group’s philosophy “Make the world Nameraka”, which focuses on enabling a more fluid, mobile and harmonious society. This ethos is reflected in the group’s ongoing investment in innovation, sustainability, and industrial leadership.