Montana Aerospace: Montana Aerospace Welcomes Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele at Zaventem Site

Reinach (pta009/16.01.2026/09:00 UTC+1)

Ministerial visit highlights aerospace programs, manufacturing capabilities and regional industrial strength at Asco, a subsidiary of Montana Aerospace

Montana Aerospace subsidiary Asco Industries (Asco) was honored to welcome Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Economy, Innovation and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitization and Facility Management, to its facilities in Zaventem on January 15. The visit provided valuable insights into the research and design capabilities and manufacturing capacity of the Zaventem site, illustrating the factory's technological expertise and long-standing experience in the aerospace and defense industry.

Visit to the shop floor and key aerospace programs

As part of the guided tour, the Minister-President visited the production areas. Particular attention was provided to innovative projects supporting on one hand the green transition of commercial aerospace as well as cutting edge technology for 6th gen fighter aircraft developments on the other hand. In addition to structural parts and critical components for civil aviation, programs for military aircraft were also showcased, including the F-35 and the A400M. A highlight of the visit was the presentation of an F-35 bulkhead manufactured at Asco, illustrating the site's technological expertise and long-standing aerospace experience.

Strengthening partnerships and regional capabilities

"Today's visit to Asco demonstrates once again how Flemish industrial excellence and high‑tech innovation reinforce our strategic capabilities. As the Flemish Government, we emphasize the importance of building a resilient and future‑proof defense industry in Flanders. With the VISD programme and the Defense Industry Action Plan, we are strengthening the entire ecosystem, from research and design to advanced manufacturing. Asco's work on cutting‑edge aerospace and defense programs, including next‑generation fighter aircraft, shows how Flemish know‑how contributes to our regional economy, to Europe's security and to transatlantic cooperation." said Minister-President Matthias Diependaele

"It is an honor for us as Montana Aerospace to welcome Minister-President Diependaele to our Zaventem site. The visit highlights the importance of close cooperation between the aerospace industry and public institutions and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening industrial competence and strategic capacity in Belgium and Europe," said Kai Arndt, CEO of Montana Aerospace.

Jérôme Morhet, CEO of Asco, added: "For more than 70 years, Asco has been a reliable industrial partner for leading civil and military aerospace programs. Our highly qualified production in Zaventem combines innovation and technological excellence with long-standing customer relationships and makes a significant contribution to industrial value creation in Flanders. The visit of Minister-President Diependaele clearly demonstrated the importance of Asco Belgium for the regional economy, and the future development of the European aerospace industry and the Transatlantic cooperation."

Local manufacturing excellence within a globally integrated aerospace group

Montana Aerospace operates as a globally active aerospace manufacturing group with worldwide locations, following a one-stop-shop business model. Asco Industries, founded in Belgium in 1954, is a core pillar of the group and specializes in the design and manufacturing of structural parts and (sub)assemblies made of titanium, high-strength steel alloys, aluminum and composites for civil and military aircraft. Its cutting-edge solutions meet the highest customer requirements for mission-critical parts and complex (sub)assemblies for wings, engines, fuselages and landing gear, including high-lift devices, structural (sub)assemblies, functional components and attachments.

The visit reinforced the importance of strong regional aerospace capabilities as part of a globally connected and resilient European industrial base.

Press contact
Jürgen Beilein
Mobile: +43 664 831 2 841
Email: communication@montana-aerospace.com

About Montana Aerospace AG

Montana Aerospace AG is a globally active industrial group specializing in the development and production of system components and complex assemblies for the aerospace industry. All products and solutions are based on decades of expertise and are used wherever the highest standards of quality, durability, and reliability are required. At 16 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia, around 6,200 highly qualified employees work on developing innovative technologies for the aerospace of tomorrow—using aluminum, titanium, steel, and composite materials.

As a true one-stop shop, Montana Aerospace provides integrated solutions across the entire value chain—from the development of proprietary alloys in its casthouses through extrusion, machining, surface treatment, and pre-assembly—offering customers comprehensive, end-to-end support with shorter lead times, reduced procurement complexity, and greater flexibility. In 2024, the company generated revenues of approximately €1.5 billion (including the energy and e-mobility segment).

About Asco Industries (Asco)

Asco is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of high-lift mechanisms, complex structural assemblies, and mission-critical components for the commercial and military aviation industry. As a subsidiary of Montana Aerospace AG, Asco offers OEMs and Tier-1 customers a one-stop-shop approach for highly precise, ready-to-install aerospace solutions. With approximately 1,100 employees at locations in Belgium, Germany, the USA, and Canada, Asco supplies leading programs from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, and Gulfstream, as well as defense projects such as FCAS. Efficient, sustainable manufacturing and continuous innovation drive the company's future success.

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Emitter:	Montana Aerospace Alzbachstrasse 27 5734 Reinach Switzerland
Contact Person:	Jürgen Beilein
Phone:	+43 664 831 28 41
E-Mail:	communication@montana-aerospace.com
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