Montréal, 27 March 2012 – EADS and Creaform have entered into a technological partnership agreement covering 3D optical measurement for aerospace and defence applications.
The agreement was finalized in the presence of Charles Mony, President of Creaform, Stéphane Galibois, Vice-President Americas and Aerospace at Creaform, Pierre Delestrade, President and CEO of EADS Canada, Olivier Le Gall, Vice-President for Industrialization and Globalization at EADS, and Yann Barbaux, Head of EADS Innovation Works. It was announced at the National Research Council Canada’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre, and with the support of the Quebec Aerospace Association.
This 5-year agreement provides for the development of innovative applications in the field of optical 3D measurement for non-destructive testing (NDT), test monitoring and form and surface measurement, applied to aeronautics, space and defence.
“EADS has successfully implemented Creaform’s 3D scanning and optical measurement technologies since 2008. The developments planned will enable EADS to reduce its development time cycle, create synergies and reduce the time-to-market of its new products,” said Yann Barbaux, Head of EADS Innovation Works.
“Innovation and the development of 3D optical measurement is at the core of our growth strategy,” explained Charles Mony, President of Creaform. “This technological partnership with a world leader in aerospace and defence, in addition to the support that EADS Innovation Works will provide, will enable us to speed up our development process and focus our technological advances so to meet the needs of these particular sectors. As a young Canada-based company founded only 10 years ago, we are particularly pleased with EADS’s trust in us, and with potential side benefits of this agreement on our innovation capacity and the development of skilled labor in our region”, he added.
“We are delighted to have concluded this agreement, which reflects EADS’ support to Canadian SMEs active in innovation and new technologies – a support that is necessary to ensure they are competitive on the international market,” said Pierre Delestrade, President and CEO of EADS Canada.
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000. EADS employs more than 1600 people in Canada through EADS Canada, Eurocopter Canada, Composites Atlantic, Cassidian Communications, Aerolia and Vector Aerospace. EADS, with the help of its Airbus Division, has opened a research center in Montreal. Currently, EADS programs support more than 4000 jobs indirectly in Canada.
About Creaform
Creaform specializes in 3D portable optical measurement technologies and 3D engineering services. The company offers innovative solutions that cover the entire range of 3D applications, including 3D scanning, reverse engineering, inspection, design & engineering and FEA. Its wide range of products and services are intended for industries such as the automotive, aerospace and defense, consumer products, education, manufacturing and medical care. Creaform has 200 employees in Québec, and reached $M37.5 in sales in 2012.The company has offices in Québec City, Montréal, the United States, France, Germany, China, India and Japan. The head office and Quebec-based offices have achieved 9001 : 2008 ISO certification in November of 2011. www.creaform3d.com