Joint Venture Framework agreement between AVIC-BIAM and ESI Group

As one of the core scientific Research Centers of AVIC (the Aviation Industry Corporation of China), BIAM is responsible for Research in Materials Technology and the manufacturing of advanced materials for aeronautical applications. BIAM’s mission naturally complements the focus of ESI Group on Virtual Manufacturing and Virtual Testing as the foundation of Virtual Prototyping and of the holistic vision of Virtual Engineering. The new joint venture will engage in providing solutions that are based on realistic and reliable material modeling, and proven physical manufacturing and performance testing by proven virtual processes.

At the signing ceremony held in Zhuhai on 15 November, Dr Dai ShengLong, President of BIAM, stated: “Today, sciences, technology and economy are developing fast. In this key stage of strategic transformation, BIAM will collaborate with ESI as a world class partner by joining expertise in complementary technologies. Together, we will establish a Joint Research & Development Center and Joint Venture Company. Our aim will be to transform innovation technology and marketing, and to create a new future for advanced materials science, technology and industry development.”

Dr Alain de Rouvray, Chairman and CEO of ESI Group, responded to Dr Dai by commenting that: “Today new materials are at the core of industrial innovation and business competitiveness. A successful partnership requires three symbiotic constituents: Trust, Alignment, and Ambition. BIAM and ESI have, through several years of successful collaboration, experienced and shared all three. The Joint Venture will consolidate the commitment to “co-create” the innovative solutions of the future.”

Echoing this sentiment, and recalling the signing of the partnership agreement in 2011, Mr Xu Zhanbin, Vice President of AVIC, commented: “The Joint Venture company between AVIC-BIAM and ESI is not only an important decision, leading to action and implementation of AVIC’s strategy to expand international technical cooperation, but also a strong commitment to reform, to upgrade technology and to spur innovation in AVIC. This framework agreement demonstrates a willingness to open domestic marketing, to establish a win-win situation, and to bring technical innovation, development and also strong business profit for both parties.”

The scope of business of this new Chinese Joint Venture company will include the distribution of ESI’s Virtual Engineering software solutions; associated hardware; related technical support services; and customized software development to meet specific Chinese user needs. It will have a strong focus on China’s emerging commercial, business and general aviation sector and will enable the adoption of strategic manufacturing technologies developed at BIAM. Both parties share the conviction that their many technical synergies and spirit of team work will cause their joint venture to prosper, delivering sustainable and mutual success.