Magellan Aerospace Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aequs Private Limited to explore the establishment of a jointly owned 50/50 aerospace sand casting facility at the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster (BAC) in Karnataka. The proposed facility aims to cater to the increasing sand casting demand in the aerospace sector, benefiting both commercial and defense industries.
Currently, India has a limited number of NADCAP-certified aerospace sand casting facilities. This venture seeks to enhance regional capabilities and strengthen Southeast Asia’s position in the industry.
Magellan is recognized as a center of excellence for sand casting in North America, utilizing advanced technologies such as 3D sand printing, robotics, digital radiography, and automated differential pressure bottom pouring to produce complex geometries with high precision.
India’s aerospace sector has seen significant growth, driven by initiatives like Make in India and the UDAN scheme, alongside rising private sector investments and increasing air travel demand.
This collaboration builds on the long-standing partnership between Aequs and Magellan. In 2007, both companies established Aerospace Processing India (API), the first third-party facility in India approved by Airbus and Boeing, providing advanced surface treatment solutions. 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.
Leaders’ Insights
Aravind Melligeri, Chairman and CEO of Aequs, highlighted the importance of the sand casting facility, stating, “This partnership with Magellan Aerospace aligns with our commitment to delivering world-class manufacturing processes and technologies. It will further strengthen the vertically integrated manufacturing ecosystem at the Belagavi Aerospace Cluster.”
Phillip Underwood, President and CEO of Magellan Aerospace, emphasized the venture’s strategic significance: “With India’s expanding aerospace and aviation industry, this sand casting facility will enhance infrastructure, increase capacity, and offer cost advantages. Magellan is dedicated to supporting the growth of this industry with high-quality, cost-effective casting solutions.”
This initiative marks another milestone in strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, reinforcing Belagavi’s position as a key hub in the sector.
