Bossard Aerospace and Vaupell: Elevating Efficiency in Aircraft Assembly

How Innovative Automation and Logistics Solutions are Streamlining Assembly for the A350 Freighter Main Deck Cargo Liners 

Understanding the Challenge

13,000 Precision Fasteners per Aircraft: Vaupell’s Assembly Challenges 

At Bossard Aerospace, we take pride in partnering with our clients to solve complex challenges for our clients. One recent story that stands out began with Vaupell, a Group Company of Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. A company specializing in aircraft interiors for giants like Airbus and Boeing. Vaupell was awarded the contract to manufacture liners and wall panels for the A350 freighter version - specifically, the cargo liners with thousands of precision fittings. However, Vaupell faced a unique challenge: assembling 13,000 fastener assemblies for each aircraft, each requiring a specific combination of fasteners, washers, and locking mechanisms to ensure long-term durability. 

The challenge first came to us through Pablo Casado Prieto, Vaupell’s Senior Industrial Engineer, during the AIX exhibition in Hamburg. He shared that their team was searching for a more efficient assembly solution to manage the complex demands of high-volume fastening, which could otherwise be a strain on both personnel and productivity. What Vaupell needed was an automated, foolproof solution that would streamline the assembly, ensure zero defects, and comply with all regulatory requirements. That's when Bossard Aerospace developed a customized plan to tackle both assembly process, and logistical hurdles. 

Integrating Smart Factory Assembly

Automating Quality Control with Digital Documentation for Zero Defects 

To optimize their assembly line, we proposed integrating our Smart Factory Assembly (SFA) system, which would help ensure that each part was installed accurately. With SFA, each step of the assembly is documented. This reduces the risk of human error, ensures that no part is skipped or mismatched, and provides a full audit trail to support future inspections and ensure regulatory compliance standards are met - a critical factor for aerospace projects. 

Moving Forward Together

Expanding Success: Vaupell’s New Standard for Efficiency and Quality in Aerospace Manufacturing 

Our journey with Vaupell is just beginning, but we’re excited about the potential to expand this partnership to other Vaupell locations worldwide. And as they prepare to showcase this streamlined assembly line to their customers representatives, we’re proud to have helped Vaupell set a new benchmark for efficiency and quality in aerospace assembly. 


This project is a testament to what’s possible when two teams come together with a shared commitment to innovation. At Bossard Aerospace, we’re not just providing tools; we’re building solutions that go beyond expectations—solutions that are designed to meet the demanding standards of the aerospace industry today and for years to come.

About Vaupell

Vaupell, a Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. company, is a leader in providing innovative aerospace solutions that redefine the future. Our lightweight solutions provide enhanced customer experiences while serving a higher purpose, rooted in sustainability and global responsibility.
https://vaupell.com