Increased demand across the aerospace sector continues to place significant pressure on supply chains. We are very aware of the vital role that our own supply chain plays in meeting the needs of Leonardo Helicopters customers around the world, which is why we have prioritised efforts to make our Italian supply chain more resilient.
Safety first
During the last six months, we have launched a programme to identify and engage with potential supply partners across Italy. The aim was to find organisations with the right capabilities to support to address critical categories in the supply chain. This is particularly focused on areas where we’ve identified bottlenecks that could affect deliveries of new helicopters or timely aftermarket support.
We held a series of regional conferences across a total of ten Italian regions, with more than 750 companies taking part. This led to almost 300 applications from suppliers interested in partnering with Leonardo Helicopters.
Diego Michielan, VP Procurement Equipment & Systems, explains: “This ‘scouting process’ was really valuable. It gave us the opportunity to speak with suppliers right across the country and to understand how their capabilities matched with our needs. Since then, we have narrowed the field of potential partners and have already signed the first three contracts – with new suppliers in Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Piemonte.”
A number of suppliers are diversifying from other sectors into aerospace, while others are also seeking to build on their manufacturing capability by adding more expertise in design and engineering.
Diego adds: “We know that strengthening the Italian supply chain will help us keep pace with customer demand and reduce delays in parts availability that can be frustrating for operators. It’s also good news for broader industrial capability in Europe as firms invest in the technology and skills they will need to thrive in the aerospace sector. This is not a one-off initiative – we will continue with a rolling programme to engage with the potential supply base in the coming months.”
Supplier viewpoints
Mark Hancock, Commercial Director Special Vehicles and Aviation, Isoclima Group
“The Isoclima Group is a leader in engineering and manufacturing transparent solutions for multiple sectors, including aerospace. We began operation almost 50 years ago in the Veneto region of Italy and now have around 1,000 employees and five plants in Europe and the USA. Under this agreement, we will be supplying transparencies for the AW139, AW149 and AW189 in both glass and polycarbonate.
“We’re proud to be selected and to build on the work we already do with Leonardo. These newly assigned programmes represent a step forward in our relationship. They create the opportunity to invest in new technologies and materials, which will also represent a basis for future additional business.
“For example, we’re investing in a dedicated chemical tempering facility with NaNO3 salts for the treatment of thin glass and are finalising the EASA Part 21 G certification. These developments will enhance our capabilities and deliver lighter, higher-performing and even more reliable transparency solutions to Leonardo and its customers.”
Michele Poggipolini, CEO of Poggipolini S.p.A.
“Founded in 1950, Poggipolini Group is headquartered near Bologna in Emilia-Romagna, with operations in Italy and the US. In the early days, we focused primarily on the motorsport sector, firstly with Ducati and then as a supplier to the Ferrari F1 team. Over time, we transferred this expertise into aerospace, which is now the focal point of our operations.
“In September, we signed an agreement with Leonardo Helicopters to build on our existing partnership supplying critical fasteners and engineered components. This will enable us to consolidate our expertise in aerospace and diversify beyond fasteners into transmission and drive system applications.
“We will provide engine shafts and flexible couplings for the AW139, AW189 and AW09 platforms, investing in technology such as electron beam welding at our Varese facility. We will also assume responsibility for product design and qualification, moving from ‘make-to-print’ products to ‘build-to-spec’ products. For Leonardo Helicopters and its customers, the key benefit will be the creation of local, domestic supply of flexible couplings – critical components, which until now have been imported almost exclusively from the US.”
Matteo Notarangelo, CEO, Aerospace, UMBRAGROUP
“UMBRAGROUP is a global leader in high-precision motion systems. Our headquarters are in Foligno, Umbria and we operate 11 facilities across Italy, Germany, and the United States with a team of over 1,600 employees worldwide.
“Thanks to the Leonardo initiative and the ‘Cresciamo Insieme’ project, we are leveraging our deep expertise in bearings and critical aeronautical components to expand into special aeronautical bearings for the helicopter market. This strategic move includes dedicated investments in new Capex, enabling production of small- to medium-sized bearings and positioning us for future growth.
“This opportunity represents a strategic growth lever for UMBRAGROUP. By entering the aerospace bearing market, we expand our product portfolio and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for advanced motion solutions. For Leonardo Helicopters and its customers, the project ensures a reliable, high-quality, and locally sourced supply chain for critical components.”
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