India’s first Aerospace SEZ launched

Belgaum: The global aerospace engineering & manufacturing major, QuEST Global has formally launched India’s first aerospace precision engineering & manufacturing ecosystem - the QuEST Global Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Belgaum, Karnataka. The company has signed MOUs with 3 major players in the aerospace manufacturing space - SABCA (Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques), Magellan Aerospace Ltd. and Farinia SA.
The SEZ was formally unveiled today by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri B.S. Yeddyurappa and Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Sri Praful Patel.
The QuEST Global SEZ offers complete ‘design-to-build’ services, enabling an end-toend
aerospace supply chain ecosystem. QuEST Global’s SEZ is spread over 300 acres of land. The company looks at establishing partnerships to bridge the capability gaps in the aerospace industry and to provide ‘Built-to-Suit’ facility for the aerospace industry suppliers. The SEZ is focused towards providing world class infrastructure with major focus on aerospace industries. An initial investment of RS 150 crores has already been made in this SEZ.
“This is a special day for Karnataka. Bangalore is perceived to be the India hub for the aerospace sector, and today the QuEST Global SEZ in Belgaum has opened up newer avenues to attract foreign investors in the manufacturing space as well. We are now poised to offer international level expertise with competent local talent and corporate commitment,” ’said Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, B.S. Yeddyurappa on the occasion.
“The Indian aviation industry is being watched closely by all global majors and is on a steady growth path. We fully support the vision of entities like QuEST Global, who by setting up this project have displayed their commitment towards growing not only the economy, but also the development of local areas, “said Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel.
“We, at QuEST Global had envisioned setting up India’s first aerospace precision engineering & manufacturing ecosystem to provide ‘design-to-build’ solutions. The SEZ will benefit North Karnataka region to a large extent. We are looking forward to create more than 7000 jobs locally and infuse $500 million to the economy in the coming 10 years. This ecosystem at SEZ will provide an ideal platform to help our customers & partners in discharge their offset obligations,” said Aravind Melligeri, Co-founder and Chairman, QuEST Global.
The SEZ currently houses an engineering services facility, a precision machining facility, sheet metal facility within the Aerospace Processing India (API) unit. The API is a joint venture (JV) with Magellan Aerospace. The JV runs as an independent operating company, providing approved aerospace treatments that are not readily available in India.

QuEST Global Manufacturing has signed a MoU with Belgian aerospace major, S.A.B.C.A to manufacture metallic parts and assembly work for the Airbus A-350XWB Flap Track Structures. S.A.B.C.A primarily focuses on space, civil aviation and defense. This contract extends the relationship from the current A-380 manufacturing to the Airbus A-350XWB.
The current deal is worth $100million over the next 10 years for the Airbus A-350XWB program.

QuEST Global has signed a MoU with Magellan Aerospace limited to evaluate to set up a new dedicated facility in the QuEST Global SEZ, Belgaum to manufacture components and subassemblies for aero engines.
“Magellan has been our first partner since the SEZ became operational with the setting up of
the API (Aerospace Processing India). The extension of this partnership will look to set up an
Aero-engine focused manufacturing facility that will achieve US $50million per year revenue
in year 5 of operations,” said Aravind Melligeri, Chairman & Co-founder, QuEST Global.
14/11/09 PRESS RELEASE/QuEST Global

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Categories: Foreign Nov 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Nov 2009, New Nov 2009