In the Hauts Sarts industrial zone in Liège lies a discreet yet strategic company: MPP (Magnetico Polissage Précision). Founded in 2003 to meet a precision polishing need from Safran Aero Boosters, MPP has since evolved, transformed, and innovated to become a leading player in non-destructive testing (NDT) for high-tech industries.
Aerospace, space, defense, maritime—the components inspected and certified by MPP can determine the safety of a flight or the reliability of a system. In 2025, this Walloon company will take a major step in its international expansion with the opening of a subsidiary in Quebec, split between Montréal and Québec City.
Seeing the Invisible to Ensure Safety
Inside MPP’s workshops, advanced technologies reveal the invisible. On screen, a metal part appears flawless—until a zoom-in reveals a clear crack in a fan blade from a commercial jet engine, potentially catastrophic if undetected. Thanks to digital radiography, performed either in a shielded booth or on-site at the client’s facility, hidden defects invisible to the naked eye are exposed with razor-sharp precision.
The company masters seven different non-invasive inspection techniques: radiography, electrostatic spray penetrant testing, thermography, industrial computed tomography… all under strict requirements for reliability, traceability, and adherence to international standards (EN9100, Nadcap). These processes are essential for inspecting critical components in environments where zero defect is the norm.
A Demanding Clientele and High-Value Strategic Projects
MPP serves some of the most demanding clients in the industry: Thales, SONACA, Safran, as well as defense and space entities such as General Atomics. The company has also been tasked with inspecting parts for the U.S. F-35 fighter jets ordered by the Belgian military.
Its expertise has drawn attention beyond Belgium—in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and more recently, Canada. There, partnerships in thermography and the international background of CEO Pierre Servais have built strong ties.
A Strategic Presence in Canada
In 2025, MPP will launch MPP Inc., its North American subsidiary. With two complementary sites—Montréal (production and finishing) and Québec City (training, R&D, and maritime)—the company is investing €350,000 to start, creating three immediate jobs and planning to grow its workforce annually over five years.
This move builds on Montréal’s status as the world’s third-largest aerospace hub, as well as Quebec’s openness to technological innovation. The Canadian expansion also includes plans for NDT training centers, driven by strong market demand and the profitability of this complementary service.
Resilience Born of Crisis and a Long-Term Vision
MPP’s recent history is one of successful transformation. In 2019, when Pierre Servais and Thierry Wery took over the company, the outlook was promising. But the dual crises—the Boeing 737 Max grounding and the COVID-19 pandemic—caused a sharp drop in revenue. MPP reacted swiftly: refocusing on space and defense, investing in training, and developing expertise in niche technologies.
Today, MPP has quadrupled its turnover in six years, reaching €2.5 million in 2024. It inspects over 95,000 parts per year and boasts annual growth above 40%. Its original business—polishing and deburring—still represents around 25% of its revenue.
Strong Partnerships to Stay Ahead
To maintain its technological edge, MPP has established numerous collaborations—with Université Laval in Québec, the Liège Space Center, companies like Optrion and X-RIS, and even Flying Cam, for drone-based inspections of inaccessible structures.
The company also relies on key institutional partners. Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) supports its international expansion, while Skywin, Investissement Québec International, Montréal International, and Québec International facilitated its Canadian launch.
A Profitable, Independent and Ambitious Company
Today, MPP is profitable and financially autonomous, supported by solid banking partners such as BNP Paribas Fortis. With 30 employees, this Walloon SME blends scientific rigor, artisanal flexibility, and global industrial ambition.
The Québec expansion marks a new chapter in its journey: that of a European player becoming transatlantic—committed to quality, safety, and performance in some of the world’s most demanding industries.
