According to reports, Toronto-based Magellan Aerospace Corporation and Karnataka-based Aequs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the establishment of a joint aerospace sand casting facility in India.

The proposed venture will be a 50/50 cooperation between the two corporations and is intended for the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster (BAC) in Karnataka.

High-quality sand castings are in high demand because of the swift growth of India's aerospace industry, which is being fuelled by government programs like "Make in India" and the UDAN scheme. There aren't many aerospace sand casting factories in the nation that are currently NADCAP-certified.

With the help of Aequs's existing manufacturing infrastructure and Magellan's experience, the new plant will aim to close this gap and improve India's standing in the global aerospace supply chain.

Magellan, which specialises in chemically bonded sand processes and cutting-edge technologies, including 3D sand printing, robotics, and digital radiography, is acknowledged as a centre of excellence for aerospace sand casting in North America. It is anticipated that the new business will bring comparable cutting-edge capabilities to India, meeting the needs of both commercial and defence aviation.

The two companies previously collaborated in 2007 to establish Aerospace Processing India (API), the first third-party aerospace surface treatment facility in India approved by both Airbus and Boeing. More recently, in 2024, they signed another MOU to explore a business plan for a jointly owned aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Karnataka.

Founded in 2006, Aequs operates manufacturing facilities across India, France, and the United States, offering vertically integrated solutions for aerospace and other industries.

Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and CEO, Aequs says, “This proposal to explore the setting up of a sand casting facility with our long-time partner Magellan Aerospace at the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster is aligned with our commitment to offer 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 stringent standards that the aerospace industry demands,” adds Aravind.