EIFast workshop presents XFEL project to international industry

A total of 57 companies and 14 institutions from 13 countries demonstrated their interest in the European X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) project at an industry workshop held at DESY on 9-10 May. Organized by the European Industry Forum for Accelerators with Superconducting RF Technology (EIFast), the event was intended to inform potential suppliers from European industry about the current design status of this new large European machine, for which construction should start at the beginning of 2007.

Companies attending were asked to comment and give their opinion on the technical layout of the XFEL facility, the purchasing strategy and other relevant issues.

The decision to hold the workshop before an agreement has been reached at the political level to create and finance the European XFEL Facility GmbH was considered to be a wise move, as it demonstrated to companies that the preparation of the project has come to maturity. More than 170 participants attended, representing the whole spectrum of services required for the construction of the XFEL, from the building of the surface halls and underground facilities to the development and supply of components and measurement devices. Attendees unanimously agreed that the workshop had been highly beneficial, and praised the detailed presentation of the XFEL project and the timely involvement of industry, which allows potential suppliers to plan the required capacities and make the necessary technical preparations on time.