Pilatus will progressively acquire RUAG Aerostructures Schweiz AG’s workforce of approximately 230 employees and all of its machinery beginning in the second quarter of 2024. The acquisition is consistent with the strategic objectives of RUAG International as set forth by the Swiss government. Pilatus intends to produce its own components at the Emmen facility.
Since the early 1990s, RUAG Aerostructures Schweiz AG has manufactured components and parts for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. These include PC-12 horizontal stabilisers and fuselages for the PC-21. By acquiring apparatus and personnel, Pilatus can expand its production capacity and develop new competencies.
During the contract ceremony, Hansueli Loosli, Chairman of the Pilatus Board of Directors, stated that the acquisition would enable the organisation to fortify Central Switzerland as a commercial hub, protect employment opportunities, and generate novel insights.
Markus Bucher, chief executive officer of Pilatus, stated that the company’s new location near Lucerne will improve access to talent and expand its production capabilities.
The CEO of RUAG International, André Wall, stated that RUAG Aerostructures Switzerland and RUAG International have maintained a successful partnership for decades.
RUAG Real Estate AG will lease a capacious facility to Pilatus at the newly developed Emmen Airfield location. Subsequent operations will be focused solely on the fabrication of aircraft-essential parts and components in Stans. Pilatus will continue to accept orders from external clients formerly served by RUAG Aerostructures Schweiz for a limited time.
An alternative arrangement between RUAG Real Estate AG and Pilatus delineates the possibilities for obtaining a neighbouring parcel of land, thereby providing Pilatus with supplementary development prospects. The partnership with RUAG will be strengthened in light of this, and additional employment opportunities will be generated over the medium to long term.
