Fastems supplies a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) to Patria as a part of industrial participation in the F-35 Program. The system is used for machining and assembling the fighter jet front fuselages and it resembles the Fastems system already in use at the Lockheed Martin production line in the United States.
The automation system will be delivered in 2024–2025 and consists of a transfer crane for front fuselages, a washing station, and two loading stations for part logistics and assembly. The system is integrated with two machine tools. Production control takes place with Fastems Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) that ensures efficient and timely production and full traceability of the manufactured parts.
“Fastems has a long customer relationship with Lockheed Martin in the United States. We are extremely proud that we can now enable the efficient production of F-35 parts also in Finland. This industrial participation project benefits Patria and Finland with better know-how on technologies and expertise that are critical to security of supply. It also improves the usability of the equipment by the Finnish Defense Forces through availability of advanced technology”, says Mikko Nyman, CEO of Fastems.
“The local manufacturing capability and capacity related to the F-35 Program strengthens the security of supply and availability of the equipment under all circumstances. Patria is eager to utilize the special expertise and capabilities of highly dedicated local partners like Fastems. The joint Finnish high-technology projects develop local know-how, as well as create jobs”, says Patria’s F-35 Chief Program Officer Petri Hepola.
Nyman continues: “It is highly valuable that the world’s leading manufacturing and automation technology is developed and used in Finland. Intelligent automation significantly improves production efficiency and flexibility. In addition, moving workpieces manually exposes the aerospace industry to safety and quality risks, which can be avoided by utilizing automation.”
Additional information and media contact:
CEO Mikko Nyman, Fastems Group, 040 587 4402, mikko.nyman@fastems.com
Fastems delivers flexible automation and digitization solutions for CNC manufacturing
Fastems is a family-owned automation technology pioneer with over 40 years and 5000 systems experience for over 100 machine tool, equipment, and software brands. Fastems’ customers are industrial machine and equipment builders (OEM) and their subcontractors in Europe, North America, and Asia. Fastems’ automation systems and services focus on milling and turning processes in all industries. The systems are equipped with industry-leading MMS control (Manufacturing Management Software). Fastems’ mission is to enable its customers’ success in automated high-mix manufacturing. This way, the company increases the productivity of its customers and helps in building competitive, sustainable, and strong manufacturing.
Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, technology solutions and pilot training. Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability, continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence, surveillance and management system products and services. Patria’s mission is to give its customers confidence in all conditions, and the vision is to be the #1 partner for critical operations on land, sea and air. Patria has several locations including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia and Spain. Patria employs over 3,000 professionals. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.