The defence group GIAT INDUSTRIES and the Spanish equipment manufacturer DALPHIMETAL (turnover of FF 1.227 billion in 1999 with six industrial sites and 1,700 employees) have created a joint subsidiary named SPRIA that will manufacture gas generators for car airbags. It will initially employ 15 employees to reach a workforce of 200 people in 2000. The capital of the joint venture will be 50/50 held by the SOCIETE DE DEVELOPPEMENT ET DE PARTICIPATIONS INDUSTRIELLES, subsidiary of GIAT INDUSTRIES, and by DALPHIMETAL FRANCE, subsidiary of the Spanish equipment manufacturer.