Joensuu factory tests parts for French heavy-cargo airships

Exel Composites is testing production of components for some of the world’s largest cargo airships at its factory in Heinävaara, near Joensuu, Yle reports. The work has brought new jobs to North Karelia.

The components are carbon-fibre composite tubes that form the airships’ frames. French company Flying Whales plans to begin producing 200-metre-long airships next year. They are designed to carry loads weighing up to 60 tonnes to hard-to-reach areas.

Exel has expanded its factory by 1,000 square metres and plans to test the new production lines in the coming weeks. The lines must meet strict aviation quality requirements before production can begin, which is expected next spring.

Each airship will require 80 kilometres of tubes in different thicknesses, Exel business unit director Juha Honkanen said. The company can initially make them on two new production lines. Flying Whales aims to produce 36 airships a year, with the first expected to fly next year.

Exel employs about 200 people at the factory and has hired around 20 more this year following the new contract. Recruitment is continuing, according to shop steward Marko Kemppainen.

The factory makes composite profiles from glass fibre, carbon fibre and epoxy and vinyl resins for use in various industries. Honkanen said certification of the new lines could also allow Exel to make other aviation products in future.