Magellan Aerospace & Aequs Partner to Explore Sand Casting Facility in India
Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aequs Private Limited (“Aequs”) to explore the establishment of a jointly owned aerospace sand casting facility in India. The proposed facility, planned to be located at the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster (BAC) in Karnataka, India, would be structured as a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for sand casting capabilities in the aerospace sector and reflects the commitment of both companies to advancing India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Aerospace Sand Casting
The aerospace industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by rising global air traffic, defense modernization programs, and an increasing need for high-performance aircraft components. Sand casting is a critical process in aerospace manufacturing, enabling the production of complex and lightweight metal components required for both commercial and defense aircraft. However, India’s aerospace sector has limited access to NADCAP-certified sand casting facilities, which are essential for meeting the stringent quality and safety standards of the industry.
The proposed facility will be designed to bridge this gap by enhancing the region’s sand casting capabilities. By leveraging Magellan’s expertise in sand casting and Aequs’ established aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, the new venture aims to provide world-class manufacturing solutions tailored to the needs of global aerospace companies.
Magellan’s Expertise in Sand Casting
Magellan Aerospace is a recognized leader in aerospace sand casting, with well-established facilities in North America that specialize in producing high-quality castings for leading aerospace manufacturers. The company has developed advanced casting techniques utilizing chemically bonded sand processes, which allow for the creation of complex geometries that are essential for modern aerospace components. Additionally, Magellan has integrated cutting-edge technologies into its casting operations, including:
- 3D Sand Printing: This technology enhances the precision and efficiency of mold creation, reducing production time and material waste.
- Robotics: Automated robotic systems improve casting accuracy, consistency, and operational efficiency.
- Digital Radiography: This non-destructive testing method ensures the highest quality by detecting internal defects in cast components.
- Automated Differential Pressure Bottom Pouring: This process enhances metal flow control, improving the overall quality and structural integrity of the castings.
By bringing these technologies to India, Magellan and Aequs aim to establish a facility that meets the global standards of aerospace manufacturing while benefiting from India’s cost advantages and skilled workforce.
India’s Expanding Aerospace Sector
India’s aerospace industry has seen significant growth over the past decade, driven by multiple factors, including government initiatives such as the Make in India program, the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, and increasing investment from domestic and international players. The demand for air travel in India has surged, positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
In response to this growth, India has been developing its aerospace infrastructure, attracting major global aircraft manufacturers and suppliers. However, certain specialized manufacturing processes, such as aerospace-grade sand casting, remain underdeveloped in the region. Establishing a new, state-of-the-art sand casting facility will contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global aerospace manufacturing hub, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing the country’s self-reliance in critical aerospace components.
Strengthening the Magellan-Aequs Partnership
Magellan and Aequs have a history of successful collaboration in India’s aerospace sector. In 2007, the two companies established Aerospace Processing India (API), a joint venture that became the first independent third-party aerospace processing facility in India approved by both Airbus and Boeing. API provides innovative surface treatment solutions that were previously unavailable in India, demonstrating the capabilities and synergies between Magellan and Aequs in delivering world-class aerospace manufacturing solutions.
Building on this success, in 2024, Magellan and Aequs signed another MOU to explore the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft engines in Karnataka. This initiative aims to support India’s growing aviation industry by providing essential MRO services domestically, reducing turnaround times and operational costs for airlines.
The newly signed MOU for the sand casting facility marks another milestone in the partnership between Magellan and Aequs. It reflects the shared vision of both companies to enhance India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and support a global customer base with high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Statements from Leadership
Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and CEO of Aequs, commented on the agreement, stating:
“This proposal to explore the establishment of a sand casting facility with our long-time partner Magellan Aerospace at the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster aligns with our commitment to offering our customers world-class manufacturing processes and technologies. It will also contribute to the vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities that Aequs operates at the Cluster. Advancements in sand casting technology have made it possible to provide lightweight yet robust components made to the stringent standards demanded by the aerospace industry.”
Phillip Underwood, President and CEO of Magellan Aerospace, highlighted the strategic importance of the venture, saying:
“With the anticipated growth in the aerospace and aviation sectors, this potential new sand casting venture in India will focus on infrastructure development, cost advantages, capacity increases, and strategic initiatives essential to realizing the sector’s global potential. Magellan is committed to helping grow this commodity in India. We are ready to meet the growing needs of our castings customers with the cost-effective and quality solutions they have come to expect.”
The Strategic Importance of the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster
The Belagavi Aerospace Cluster (BAC) is a premier aerospace manufacturing hub in India, providing a well-developed ecosystem for precision manufacturing, assembly, and surface treatment solutions. BAC hosts multiple aerospace companies and has an integrated supply chain that supports the production of high-quality aerospace components. The establishment of a sand casting facility at BAC will further strengthen its position as a leading aerospace manufacturing destination in India.
By leveraging the existing infrastructure at BAC, the joint venture between Magellan and Aequs will benefit from:
- Proximity to key aerospace customers
- Availability of skilled labor and engineering talent
- Integration with existing aerospace supply chain networks
- Government support for aerospace manufacturing investments
The signing of the MOU between Magellan Aerospace and Aequs to explore the development of a sand casting facility in India represents a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen its aerospace sector and reduce reliance on imports by developing specialized manufacturing capabilities domestically.
With Magellan’s expertise in advanced sand casting technologies and Aequs’ robust aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, the proposed joint venture is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for global aerospace customers. As the industry continues to grow, this partnership will play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for high-performance castings while contributing to the long-term development of India’s aerospace ecosystem.
